THE 



VIRGINIA MINERAL SPRI 




REMARKS ON THEIR USE, 



DISEASES TO WHICH THEY ARE APPLICABLE, 



AND IN WHICH 



THEY ARE CONTRA-INDICATED, 



ACCOMPANIED BY A 



MAP OF ROUTES AND DISTANCES. 



A NEW WORK. 



Guorib (EMtiotx, improt^ir arih enlarged. 



BY WILLIAM BURKE, M. D. 



Qxiisquis igitur haec non cognoscet, quomodo, singula se habeant ad hominem 
comparata, is neque cognoscere qii8B ab ipsi fiunt, neque recte uti potest. 

Hippo c. Lib. De Vet. Med. 



RICHMOND, VA. 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY RITCHIES & DUNNAVANT. 

1853. 






<S 



\ 



V 






1?A 






49217 



Entered according to the Act of Congress this eighteenth day of February, in 
the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, for 

Ritchie s & Dunnavant, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia. 



The Author will hereafter be stationed, as Resident Physician, at Rockbridge 
Alum Springs, where he may be consulted, in person or by letter, as to the 
waters adapted to particular cases. 

If by letter, the nature of the case should be clearly stated. Prompt atten- 
tion will be given to such communications, accompanied by a fee of five dollars,, 



4^ °*% 

2 ©99 *' 



PREFACE. 



In the Preface to the first edition, I promised I should 
take an early occasion to visit the Eastern group of the 
Virginia Springs, and annex notices of them in any subse- 
quent issue of this work. I now execute this promise, 
(how imperfectly I am well aware,) and accordingly there 
will be found in this edition notices of Jordan's White Sul- 
phur, Shannondale, Capon and Berkeley Springs; also an 
account of the Healing Springs — among the Western group. 
The Profession and my readers generally will regret that I 
have been unable to procure analyses of those Springs, but 
I have found it impossible to obtain them, unless I were to 
pay the expense out of my own pocket; and that has al- 
ready been sufficiently lightened by my efforts to illustrate 
the virtues of the Mineral Waters of Virginia. Through 
the liberality of John W. Frazier, Esq., and of the late 
venerable and lamented Dr. Brockenbrough, I am enabled 
to give interesting analyses of the Rockbridge Alum, Bath 
Alum and Warm Springs, by that distinguished chemist, Dr. 
Hayes of Boston. To Messrs. Erskine & Caruthers, pro- 
prietors of the Salt Sulphur, I am indebted for an analysis 
of the " Iodine Salt Sulphur." There will also be found 
analyses by Prof. Rogers, (not before published,) of the Blue 
Sulphur and Sweet Springs, for which I am under obliga= 
tions to Drs. Hunter and Tyndall. So it will be seen that 
my gleanings in this field have not been altogether unpro- 
ductive. Perhaps, at a future season, they may be more 
abundant. Be this as it may, I cannot but feel grateful to 
the public for their appreciation of my humble labors. 

WM. BURKE. 



CONTENTS 



Introductory Remarks, - - - - - 1 

Mountain Scenery, - - - - - - 5 

Climate, - - - - - - -9 

Natural Bridge, ------ 13 

Organ Cave, ------ 16 

Weyer's Cave, ------ 16 

Society, -------24 

Mineral Waters, ------ 29 

General Remarks, ------ 33 

White Sulphur Springs, ----- 39 

Dyspepsia, - - - - - - -67 

Diseases of the Liver, - - - - - 76 

Blue Sulphur Springs, - - - - 79 

Red Sulphur Springs, - - - - 85 

Phthisis, - - - - - - - J 08 

Chronic Laryngitis, - - - ... - 132 

Chronic Bronchitis, - - ' - . - - - 135 

Hypertrophy of the Heart, ----- 138 

Kidneys and Bladder, ----- 139 

Diseases of the Uterus, ----- 140 

Red Sulphur Bear, ------ 144 

-£alt Sulphur Springs, ----- 149 

Diseases to which the Salt Sulphur is applicable, - - 156 

Sweet Springs, ----- 176, 354 

Red Sweet Springs, ----- 189, 355 

The Skin, - - - - - - - 200 

Warm Springs, 213, ^66 

Hot Springs, - - - - - 237, 359 

Bath Alum Springs. - - - - - - 289 

Rockbridge Alum Springs, ----- 298 

Dibreil's Spring, - - - - - 309 

Fauquier White Sulphur Spring, - 310 

Jordan's White Sulphur, ----- 316 

Healing Springs, - - - - - -318 

Shannondale Springs, ----- 321 

" Berkeley Springs, ------ 324 

Orrick's Sulphur Spring, ... 332 

— Capon Springs, ------ 333 

- White Sulphur Springs — continued, - - - 337 

Salt and Sweet Sulphur Springs — continued, - - 341 

Sweet Sulphur Spring, ----- 347 

Red and Blue Sulphur Springs, - - - - 348 



CHAPTER L 

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

Man, made in the image and after the likeness of 
God, is nevertheless subject to more ailments, liable 
to more dangers and obnoxious to more enmities 
than all the inferior animals. But of all his enemies, 
he himself is the greatest and most formidable. He, 
to whom is given " dominion over the fish of the sea, 
and over the fowls of the air, and over the cattle, 
and over all the earth," is the veriest slave to the 
grossest vices, the most perverse passions, and the 
most debasing appetites. As these are almost infi- 
nite, so also the diseases consequent on them are 
multitudinous, complicated, and difficult to be un- 
derstood. Did the consequences, in every instance, 
fall upon the culprit himself, sympathy were less 
merited ; but, alas ! he frequently imposes on his 
unhappy descendant — but too often his only inhe- 
ritance — the heavy burden of his follies and his 
crimes, and thus, indeed, are the sins of the father 
visited upon the children to the third and fourth 
generation. 

It is, however, no part of my duty, at present, to 
moralize on the vices or virtues of mankind. I take 
1 



% MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

them up as afflicted with numerous chronic diseases, 
and to the treatment of these, by the agency of 
Mineral Waters, I mean, in the following pages, 
to confine my attention. 

The treatment of Acute diseases is the exclusive 
province of the physician. To his hands alone, 
where it is practicable, should be committed the 
important office, in the discharge of which the life of 
a human being is involved. The science of medi- 
cine has, fortunately, made such strides in improve- 
ment within the present century, that the physician 
has now under perfect control diseases, which, in 
former times, were always formidable, and generally 
fatal. Yet, perhaps, the average of human life is 
not increased, since the advancement of civilization 
and refinement seems to have introduced a large 
class of diseases unknown to our forefathers. It is 
when disease degenerates into a chronic form, that 
the skill of the physician is at fault and frequently 
powerless, and it is just here that nature, the most 
beneficent physician, presents from her generous 
bosom those pure streamlets that restore health and 
vigor, and elasticity to the afflicted invalid. It is in 
this condition that Mineral Springs are sought after, 
and in which it becomes desirable to the invalid to 
know whither he must direct his course to effect 
the object he has in view. 

The Springs of Western Virginia form a group 
unrivalled in this, and perhaps in any other country, 



INTRODUCTION. 3 

as I think will be seen on perusal of the following 
chapters. Great and acknowledged, however, as 
is their power over disease, they would be shorn of 
much of their virtue, had nature placed them in less 
favorable situations. Had they all been congregated 
in a large city, it is doubtful whether they would 
maintain their present reputation. There is much 
truth in the following remarks of Sir Walter Scott : — 
" The invalid often finds relief from his complaints, 
less from the healing virtues of the Spa itself, than 
because his system of ordinary life undergoes an 
entire change ; in his being removed from his leger 
and account books — from his legal folios and pro- 
gresses of title deeds — from his counters and 
shelves — from whatever else forms the main course 
of his constant anxiety at home, destroys his appe- 
tite, mars the custom of his exercise, deranges the 
digestive powers and clogs the springs of life." Who 
would look for a riddance from his ailments in the 
murky atmosphere and crowded streets of a city ? 
It is the sweet country alone that can invigorate the 
enervated constitution, raise the drooping spirits, 
calm the agitated mind, inspire the finer emotions 
of the heart, and impart elasticity and strength to 
the moral and physical powers. The citizen, like a 
boy let loose from school, rambles over the fields, 
ascends the hills, culls wild flowers, and is filled 
with admiration, pleasure and cheerfulness. 

The manner of travelling, too, has much to do 



4: MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

with the success of his efforts to recover health. 
Steamboats and railroads have, indeed, greatly ex- 
pedited locomotion, but they are of little value to 
the invalid, except as means of rapid conveyance 
to a more salubrious climate. Suppose a dyspeptic 
to start from Boston for Winchester in Virginia, 
what possible advantage can he derive from those 
several hundred miles of travel ? He gains nothing 
from change of air, for he is all the time inhaling 
the unwholesome atmosphere of a crowded vehicle. 
The velocity of motion precludes his enjoying the 
successions of scenery, and he reaches the end of 
his journey, moody and discontented. But now, 
arrived in the garden spot of Virginia, and desirous 
to extend his journey to the Springs, let us transfer 
him, with five other congenial spirits, into an extra 
stage-coach. He rolls along the beautiful valley 
of the Shenandoah, on a fine macadamized road ; 
the pure air of early morning sharpens his appetite, 
and the novelty of the scenery, the raillery, fun and 
anecdote of the passengers, the landing at the 
tavern, the abusing of coffee and biscuits and long- 
legged chickens — these, and a thousand other 
charms of a stage-coach, make him forget his acid 
stomach, and are worth all the pills of the apothe- 
cary and the nostrums of empiricism. Now he 
winds up the ascent of the Warm Spring Mountain, 
amidst thousands of clusters of the splendid rhodo- 
dendron, the gay blossoms of the laurestinus and 



MOUNTAIN SCENERY. 5 

ever-varying azalia; now he reaches the summit 
and sees the world beneath him — mountains and 
valleys and pastures, houses and men and cattle — 
all in miniature ; he is delighted and wrapt in 
meditation, and he inwardly adores the majesty of 
that Being who is enthroned in the heavens, and 
who lookeih down on the high places of the earth. 
The inward man is now changed; the feverish 
melancholy invalid, weaned from his own gloomy 
reflections and anticipations of evil, is once more 
converted into a social being, sympathizing in the 
feelings and pleasures of others and charmed out 
of fancied or real sufferings. 

If there is a scene on this earth calculated to 
strike the mind with reverential awe, and to raise 
the soul from grovelling thoughts of self to the con- 
templation of the God of Nature, it is to stand on 
the highest top of the highest mountain, and to look 
down on pigmy man and his ant-hill habitations, 
and then to reflect on his vanities and his follies, 
and the end of all — his little resting-place. Never 
shall I forget the emotions produced by a visit to 
the summit of the Salt Pond mountain, in Giles 
county, some years ago, with a few T friends. Our 
horizon was extended to upwards of a hundred 
miles in diameter, limited only by the azure arch of 
heaven, and presenting to the eye the most sublime 
spectacle which the human mind can conceive. 



b MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

" It was a hill 

Of Paradise the highest, from whose top 

The hemisphere of earth, in clearest view, 

Stretched out to the amplest reach of prospect, lay. 

Not higher that hill, nor wider looking round, 

Whereon, for different cause, the tempter set 

Our second Adam, in the wilderness, 

To shew him all earth's kingdoms and their glory." 

Similar is the view from the Blue Ridge at 
Rockfish Gap, with the additional advantage of 
overlooking a more cultivated and diversified coun- 
try. In the morning (as from the celebrated Rock 
on the Warm Spring Mountain) you may see the 
glorious god of day emerging from his curtains of 
purple and gold, and shaking from his locks the 
dewy drops of ocean, and with a benign radiance 
illuming the welcoming features of his fruitful sister. 
Here, again, at mellow evening, you may see him 
descending in majestic dignity beneath the great Ap- 
palachian mountains, gilding in his descent the green 
forest and fleecy clouds, creating a thousand fanci- 
ful resemblances. But the view from the point 
designated is limited in comparison with those that 
may be obtained by ascending the conical peaks 
rising several hundred feet higher. That on the 
southwest was the one I ascended. At the highest 
cleared point was a cluster of disjointed sand-rocks, 
in the centre of which rose a sturdy oak, which 
seemed to bid defiance to the tempests ; yet the 



MOUNTAIN SCENERY. 7 

tempests came and shattered one of its arms, while 
the humble and shrinking shrubbery around it re- 
mained undamaged. So it is in human life: those 
who expose themselves to its tempestuous hurri- 
canes, must indeed be clad in panoply, if they 
escape unscathed ; while the gentle and retiring are 
sheltered from its frowns and its malice. The 
former may be greater benefactors of society, the 
latter are more happy within themselves. 

Carefully observing there was no rattlesnake in 
juxtaposition, I seated myself upon the highest 
crag, and then viewed two-thirds of the horizon. 
Suffice it, now, to say, that if any one shall think 
proper to follow in my footsteps, he will be amply 
repaid by the scene I witnessed. But let him go 
alone, and in the solitude of nature, after having 
surveyed all the magnificence of earth beneath his 
feet, let him direct his vision to the pure canopy of 
heaven and feel that no eye can look down upon 
him but that of his God. 

Most men admire the setting sun, 
I like him when nis course is run. 
From the god's parting orbit fly, 
Those rays that tinge the western sky, 
And sailing clouds in ether moidd, 
To forms oft varied, grand and bold. 
Behold that frowning, threat'ning height, 
"Crowned with soft hues of purple light, 
And see, beneath, the dread Bastile, 
Or Inquisition of Castile, 
With massive walls, and ponderous gates, 
And windows fenced with iron grates. 



MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

And ramparts guarded by a moat, 

As at Ulloa or Perote. 

See! mountains over mountains rise, 

And pierce, in various hues, the skies, 

The giants thus, as fables told, 

With guilty pride, and daring bold, 

By piling mountains, vainly strove 

To drive from heaven the mighty Jove. 

Lo ! next a river gently glides, 

And flows in blue and peaceful tides, 

Then through great rapids foams its way, 

And seems to fill the sky with spray. 

There, Alpine hills with snow-drifts cold, 

And on them lakes of molten gold. 

Here some vast pile or ruined tower, 

Such as display'd Baronial power 

In feudal days; whose now decay 

Marks time's destructive, envious sway. 

A thousand gorgeous clouds arise, 

And clothe in varied robes the skies, 

'Till eve advancing seeks to shroud 

Her beauty in a fleecy cloud. 

That should not, yet, her charms conceal, 

But shew them tempered thro' a veil. 

Just then in all her glory shone, 

The queen of heaven — the full-orbed moon. 

Her beams descend in silvery light, 

Upon the forests still and bright, 

Smooth as a blooming maiden's face, 

On which no eye can wrinkle trace, 

And like a good man's conscience clear, 

That does not flood or tempest fear. 

A cone, of purest, virgin white, 

Reaching the zenith in its height, 

About midway, an opening gave, 

Like the vast entrance of a cave. 

Adorned as for occasion great, 

Was placed within a bed of state, 



CLIMATE* 9 

The curtains drawn the form displayed 

Of a sweet blooming, blushing maid. 

There, as she lay upon the bed, 

Her arms thrown o'er her beauteous head; 

Ariadne's form it seemed to be, 

Or Venus rising from the sea. 

I gazed, till dazzled at the sight; 

The vision faded into night ! 

Within the range of the Virginia Springs, the cli- 
mate is much more uniform than that of the Atlantic 
region, in the same latitudes. The severe north- 
easterly winds, which extend over the tide-water 
districts, are arrested in their westward career by 
the Blue Ridge mountains ; or, if they partially af- 
fect the Valley of Virginia, the Alleghanies oppose 
an insuperable barrier. The air, though keen, is 
always pure, bracing and exhilarating ; nor is there 
ever that alternation of a close, suffocating atmos* 
phere, with intense cold, which is so well known on 
the Atlantic borders. Extremes of cold or heat are 
seldom felt, and may be considered exceptions to 
the general character of the climate. 

D unrip: a residence of eip/ht years west of the Al- 
leghanies, I never saw the thermometer lower than 
6° below zero, and used to consider 6° above as 
very cold weather. The greatest degree of heat I 
observed was 97°, but it seldom exceeded 86°, and 
but for a few hours about mid-day. The usual sum- 
mer temperature is from 57 to 78°. The nights and 



V 



10 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

mornings are almost always agreeably cool. It will 
be readily seen, that where there is often a difference 
of 20 to 30° in temperature of the morning and af- 
ternoon, it becomes necessary to adapt the clothing 
to the different conditions of the atmosphere ; it 
would therefore be imprudent to go abroad in the 
early morning thinly clothed. The fogs, always 
indices of fair weather, though perfectly free from 
miasma, are nevertheless humid, and render woollen 
clothing comfortable. With this precaution, there 
is nothing to prevent early rising and exercise. 

The rainy season in the Virginia mountains sets 
in about the 15th of March, and sometimes extends 
into the month of June. The season for using the 
waters may be said to commence on the 1st of June, 
and terminate on the 1st of October. As all through 
the United States, the difference between the sum- 
mers, both as regards moisture and temperature, is 
sometimes very marked, but in a series of years, 
the average climate is most agreeable, and the air 
buoyant and invigorating. 

Between the 20th and 27th of August, it almost 
invariably happens that there are two or three days 
of rainy, blustering, cool weather, after which it 
clears away and becomes exceedingly pleasant, un- 
til the 10th to the 15th of September, when it is 
not uncommon to see a heavy rain succeeded by 
two or three cold nights and white frosts. The 
visitors, alarmed by this little equinoctial demon- 



CLIMATE. 11 

stration, disperse like migrating birds, and leave 
those beautiful valleys, lately the abodes of gaiety, 
solitary and silent as a deserted village. They have 
scarcely crossed the Blue Ridge, however, ere they 
find their apprehensions of a permanent change in 
the weather were premature, and now earnestly 
wish themselves back again among the friends from 
whom they separated, and the scenes from which 
they had just departed. 

In truth, the most delightful period in the moun- 
tains, is that between the 20th of September and 
the 1st of November. It is the sweet season of In- 
dian Summer, when the woods are clothed in their 
most gorgeous livery — when Nature seems to enjoy 
a calm repose, as if to prepare herself for the buf- 
feting storms of approaching winter. 

" Attempered suns arise 
Sweet beam'd, and shedding oft through lucid clouds 
A pleasing calm ; while broad, and brown below, 
Extensive harvests hang the heavy head. 
Rich, silent, deep, they stand; for not a gale 
Rolls its light billows o'er the bending plain; 
A calm of plenty J " 



12 MINERAL SFRINGS OF VIRGIOTA* 



CHAPTER II. 



NATURAL CURIOSITIES. 



As I have been mentioning some of the advan- 
tages and inducements presented by Virginia, to 
invalids and others in pursuit of health or pleasure, 
it may not be amiss to glance at some of the natural 
curiosities to be met with in its mountain region. 

Among the foremost of these is the passage of 
James river through the Blue Ridge mountain. I 
can fancy what Harper's Ferry was in the days of 
Jefferson ; but it is now most sadly marred by the 
bridges thrown across both rivers, the smoky fur- 
naces, and the improvements of civilization. Wild- 
ness, height, evidence of a great convulsion of na- 
ture at some distant period, are also character- 
istics of the scene at James river. Magnificent 
as the Eastern mountain appears from the rond 
opposite, it must be inconceivably more so from 
the bed of the river. It is through this gorge that 
the James river canal is to pass, and no doubt 
many will be attracted to it by this scene alone. A 
few miles west is the Natural Bridge. " This 
bridge is in the county of Rockbridge, to which it 



NATURAL BRIDGE. 13 

has given name, and affords a public and commo- 
dious passage over a valley, which cannot be 
crossed elsewhere, for a considerable distance. 
The stream passing under it is called Cedar creek. 
It is a wate^of James river, and sufficient in the 
dryest season to turn a grist-mill, though its foun- 
tain is not more than two miles above."* 

The author visited this celebrated spot 27 years 
ago. At that time it was pretty much in the state 
described by Mr. Jefferson, the scene itself being 
rendered more enchanting bv the stillness and wild- 
ness of surrounding Nature ; but the approach of 
cultivation and the squatting down of a tavern at 
one end, have divested it in my view, of some por- 
tion of its former interest. Loneliness is an im- 
portant element in my estimate of the sublime, and 
I must confess, that the usual supply of white-haired 
little urchins, and woolly-headed darkies, the squeal- 
ing of pigs, the shrieking of guinea-hens, and even 
the odor of frying bacon and eggs, (the latter plea- 
sant enough in its place,) destroyed much of my 
pleasure on a more recent occasion. 

The recollections of my first visit have suggested 
the following lines, in which I have endeavored to 
express the only opinion I have ever entertained of 
the manner of its f )rmation. 

* Jefferson's Notes on Virginia. 



14 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

THE NATURAL BRIDGE, VA.* 

'God said: " Within these hills let there be light !" 
The heavens descend ill floods, and shew his might. 
The rushing waters pierced the fissured rock 5 
It trembled, cracked and yielded to the shock^ 
In masses huge it plunged into the wave, 
And in the billows found a boisterous grave* 
-Successive surges lash the rigid sides, 
They fall and sink, beneath the roaring tides, 
Crash follows crash ; the cavern fills below, 
The raging torrents swell and backwards flow, 
Until, at length, their pressing power and weight 
The i^ighty barrier bring to instant face, 
One gurgling groan — the wildest and the last-* 
The liquid mountain bears it far and fast 
The graceful arch, on its colossal piers, 
Thus stands unscathed by the lapse of years, 
AH future ages on its dome will gaze, 
Race after race its grandeur will amaze. 
Here Indian monarchs roamed in olden time, 
Viewed the vast span, and felt the true sublime. 
Mayhap, too, here his altar one had made, 
And in sad accents the Great Spirit prayed > 
To keep the Saxons from his father's grave, 
And from their deadly grasp his people save, 
'Tvvas scenes like this that Jefferson had fired, 
And his great soul with liberty inspired. 
Methinks I see him on its convex stand, 
The chart of freedom waving in his hand, 
While o'er his head his country's eagle soars, 
And underneath the foaming torrent roars. 
Fit were the place to think of mighty deeds> 
Fruitful the soil to animate those seeds 
That genius planted in the patriot's mind, 
To grace the earth and elevate mankind. 

* These lines were originally inscribed to my greatly esteemed young friend 
Miss L. H. Bachman, of Charleston, South Carolina. W» B. 



NATURAL BRIDGE. 15 

Mark well that spot,* where o'er the beetling steep, 

The statesman lay and looked into its deep— • 

Until his temples throbbed with aching pain, 

And he was backwards forced to creep again. 

Thought he not, then, of that fierce flood of strife, 

On which he launched his fortune, honor, life ? 

O'er its rough brow the Arbor Vita hung, 

And to its shelving sides the cedars clung. 

Upon its summit rose majestic pines, 

And from its fissures sprung ambitious vines.. 

No voice he heard except the panther's howl, 

Or perched upon some bough, the lonely owh 

Wild, as when first amid convulsive throes, 

From earth's deep womb the heaving mountains rose a 

Here gentle muse ! thy sweetest gift bestow, 

That I in words may paint the scene below. 

Above, if terror struck the mind with awe, 

With pleasure, transport all the eye now saw. 

Look to the East you see the mountains blue, 

Turn to the West the Endless\ meet your view. 

Here, on your left, you see the pine-crowned height, 

But, on the right, the brow evades your sight. 

Thus, at Aurora's birth, each morning flies 

The lark, to meet his goddess in the skies; 

In warbling notes to cheer her with his song, 

Unseen on earth and by the vulgar throng. 

But now, dear Helen, with admiring eye, 

Behold that half-ellipse, so light, so high, 

Like the clear arch, of pure ethereal span, 

That as His covenant God vouchsafed to man. 

Here let our thoughts to heavenly regions soar, 

And the great Maker in His works adore. 

See at your feet in peaceful streamlets flow, 

The limpid rills, while o'er them fire-flies glow, 

* You involuntarily fall upon your hands and feet, creep to the parapet and 
peep over it. Looking down from this height about a minute, gave "me a violent 
headach. — Jefferson's Notes on Virginia. 

t The ridge of mountains next beyond the Blue Ridge, called by us the North 
mountain, is of the greatest extent; for which reason^ they were named by the 
Indians the Endless mountains.-— Ibid. 



16 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA* 

At summer's eve. and liquid crystals light, 
Soft as the dew, and as the diamond bright. 
Look where the Hero* of illustrious fame, 
High on that pier inscribed his glorious name; 
Where mortal man will never write again, 
And those who strive, will always strive in vain. 
Thou too, my muse, must be prepared to share 
The fate of all, beyond their powers who dare. 

The Organ Cave, on, or rather under, the road 
from the White to the Salt Sulphur, is vastly im- 
posing at its entrance, and is said to contain some 
admirable specimens of stalactitic formations. But 
the most wonderful of all curiosities of this class is 
Weyer^s Cave. 

" Weyer's Cavef is the most remarkable cavern 
at present known. It is situated near the north- 
eastern extremity of Augusta county, Virginia, 
seventeen miles from Staunton, sixteen miles from 
Waynesborough, eight from Mount Sidney, fourteen 
from Harrisonburg, and thirty-two from the Univer- 
sity of Virginia. 

Its entrance is in the eastern side of a ridge run- 
ning parallel with the Blue Ridge, and four miles 
distant from it. The western declivity of the ridge 
is very gradual, and the visiter as he approaches 
from that direction, little imagines, from its appear- 
ance, that it embowels one of Nature's master- 
pieces. The eastern declivity is, however, quite 

* In 1823, when the author first visited the Natural Bridge, there was shewn to 
him a point, quite high, on the right side where Washington was said to have 
inscribed his name. The thing itself seemed impossible. 

t Extract from a pamphlet to be found at the Cave. 



weyer's cave. 17 

precipitous. The guide's house is situated at the 
northern extremity of this ridge, and is distant eight 
hundred yards From the entrance of the cave. 

In going from the house to the cave, you pass 
near Madison's Cave, which is in the same ridge, 
and only three hundred yards from it. Madison's 
Cave was known and visited as a curiosity long 
before the discovery of Weyer's, but is now passed 
by and neglected, as being unworthy of notice, 
compared with its more imposing rival, although it 
has had the pen of a Jefferson to describe its 
beauties. 

The ascent from the base of the hill to the mouth 
of the cave is steep, but is rendered less fatiguing 
by the zigzag course of the path, which is one hun- 
dred and twenty yards in length. 

In the year 1804, one Bernard Weyer ranged 
these hills as a hunter. While pursuing his daily 
vocation, he found his match in a lawless ground- 
hog, which not only eluded his efforts, but even- 
tually succeeded in carrying off a trap which had 
been set for his capture. Prompted by the loss of 
his trap, Weyer made an assault upon the domicil 
of the depredator with spade and mattock. A few 
moments labor brought him to the ante-chamber of 
this stupendous cavern, where he found his trap 
deposited. 

The entrance was originally small and difficult of 
access, but the enterprise of the proprietor has ob- 



18 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

viated these inconveniences. It is now enclosed by 
a wooden wall, having a door in its centre which 
admits you into the ante-chamber." 

The following lines suggested by a visit to 
Weyer's Cave, on the 17th of September 1S50, and 
presented to his estimable friend Mrs. E. Bartlett 
of Richmond, by W. B., are now, with some alte- 
rations and additions, respectfully submitted to the 
reader. 

Beauteous art thou, O earth! thy bosom fair. 
Green are thy valleys, pure thy mountain air. 
Bright are thy dews, the gems of early morn. 
Rich are thy fields, in crops of waving corn. 
Clear are thy rivers, tranquilly that glide, 
To bless the swains, and woo the ocean tide. 
Silent thy woods, and grand that Alpine height. 
Fearful those clefts, where reigns eternal night. 
Sublime that Bridge, which with colossal span, 
O'er a deep gulf conducts poor sinful man. 
Beneath whose arch he may behold a rock, 
Unscathed by ages and the lightning's shock. 
Emblem of that on which his Saviour stood, 
Planted his Church, and nourished with his blood. 
But most sublime is vast Niagara's roar, 
As rushing, bounding, madd'ning, tumbling o'er, 
The mighty cataract descends in foam, 
Then mounts to heaven, and gems its concave dome. 
Now leave, my friend, the balmy, buoyant air, 
That God has spread around this earthly sphere. 

Confiding, come, forsake ethereal light, 
And plunge with me, to depths of darkest night. 
Seek Terra's womb, in Weyer's gorgeous Cave, 
And stand undaunted, in great Nature's grave. 
Though dank the air, within this vast profound, 
Though darkness drear invest us ail around; 



WE YE It's CAVE. 19 

Yet God is here; He watches by our side, 
His arm protects, His light will be our guide. 
Each room to tell, each object to define, 
Would task the talents of the tuneful Nine, 
How then may I, in pleasing verse array 
Those roofs that sparkle like the milky way ? 
O ! how express my wonder and delight, 
The shell-room when I saw in blaze of light? 
'Twas heaven supported by columnar spars, 
Its arch bespangled with coruscant stars ! 

Now look, Eliza ! mark bright Eden's bower, 
Where Nature stands revealed in magic power. 
Behind those curtains lies the crystal bed, 
To which fair Eve our primal father led. 
But 'twere pollution by a taper's light, 
This Holy to expose to mortal sight. 

The Senate Chamber next attracts the eye, 
And Conscript Fathers met in conclave high. 
Then pause awhile, and let us here survey 
These scenes impervious to the god of day. 
Behold that crystal, horizontal plain, 
Stretched out immense, yet which no props sustain. 
To say how formed conjecture does not dare, 
Or how it hangs suspended in mid air. 
So steady, unsustained, stands over head, 
Mahomet's coffin and its mighty dead. 
From its cold bed festooning curtains rise, 
As sailing clouds invest the starry skies. 
But turn to objects of another kind, 
And view the emblems of immortal mind. 
Who sits majestic in that curule chair, 
In patriot pride, but with a brow of care ? 
Methinks 'tis Tully, from his lips divine, 
That lightning poured on wicked Catiline. 
Ambitious Julius there dissembling stands, 
And sues for mercy for the robber bands; 
While virtuous Cato, in his country's cause, 
Sustains the consul and supports the laws. 



20 MTNERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Perhaps, proud Albion! you the council claim, 
Memento of your glory and your shame ! 
What culprit stands indicted at thy bar, 
Polluted, stained by plunder spoils and war ? 
'Tis Hastings vile, who played with kings as toys, 
And wealth amassed by crushing human joys. 
Indignant Fox — who never winked at wrong, 
But for the right took part against the strong ; 
From his deep mind enriched with varied stores, 
Upon the wretch his thundering volleys pours. 
Sheridan — wonder of that glorious age — 
The poet, wit, the orator and sage ! 
See how the victim writhes beneath his lash, 
Behold those eyes with wrath and frenzy flash. 
Beneath their glance see crouching Hastings quail — 
His weight to bear his tottering members fail. 
He sinks affrighted at his monstrous guilt, 
And feels the dagger pierce him to the hilt, 

Majestic Burke! thou greatest of the great, 
In arts and science, and affairs of state; 
The friend of man, in every land and clime, 
In morals pure, in eloquence sublime ! 
With fancy's eye, I see your bosom swell, 
As on the hapless Nabob's wrongs you dwell. 
Now soaring heavenwards in the gorgeous clouds, 
Now painting monarchs in their bloody shrouds. 
On Etna's sides, so are all climates seen, 
Clear streams, fierce torrents, snows, and pastures green. 
Calm stands the mountain on its mighty base, 
While lava pours in torrents from its vase. 
Thus varied learning, wisdom, words of fire, 
Flow from those lips that genius doth inspire. 
Thus Edmund, thou didst scathe a wicked age, 
And war on rapine, lust and murder wage ! 

But now my fancy brings me nearer home, 
Than guilty England, or aspiring Rome. 
And if awhile it wandered o'er the main, 
'Twas only to return with pride again. 



weyer's cave. 21 

Within the bowels of their native land, 
Columbia's statesmen in this chamber stand. 
To whose great fame I would just homage pay, 
And in Elysian light their pow'rs survey. 
Firm as the granite of his native state, 
There Webster, dignified and thoughtful sate. 
Behold him calmly, slowly, rising now, 
Peace in his eye, and genius on his brow. 
He waves his hand, the hall as death is still ; 
He speaks, his words through ev'ry bosom thrill. 
His patriot thoughts in graceful periods flow, 
Upon his lips the flames of fancy glow. 
A great Ionic pillar there he stands, 
A model to all time, and to all lands. 

Now see all eyes are turning to the right, 
Where stands old Nestor girded for the fight. 
The aged chieftain casts his glance around, 
The gazing crowd are filled with awe profound. 
He smiles; the action, like some magic charm, 
Dispels all fear, and dissipates alarm. 
They see great Harry on that glorious field, 
Where oft he cast his spear and raised his shield. 
They see him now, as in his fervid youth, 
Uphold his country with consistent truth. 
Undaunted, though with odds he has to cope, 
Be leads the last, forlorn, but gallant hope. 
He mounts the breach, with Webster on his right, 
And Cass upon his left, a valiant knight. 
While dauntless, firm, and with his well-poised spear, 
Like brave Ulysses, Foote brings up the rear. 
List to those tones as clear as silver bells, 
Hear how that voice in strength and compass swells. 
Behold that gesture full of native grace — 
See wit and fancy beaming in his face. 
His patriot lips pour forth the flowing tide, 
He loves his country with a patriot's pride ; 
Not this, nor that, but every brilliant Star 
That lights its banner, both in peace and war. 



22 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

His periods swell like billows, more, and more, 
Now foam like breakers bursting on the shore. 
Reason and logic, now, and force prevail, 
Sarcastic humor, now, descends like patt'ring hail. 
O Clay! when death shall consecrate thy name, 
How bright the halo that will light thy fame. 
Envy will then to darksome caverns creep, 
And o'er her patriot son a nation weep! 
Others there are to whom I fain would raise, 
In grateful verse, the voice of well-bought praise; 
But, in his course the sun I cannot stay, 
And to his cheering beams I haste away. 

The lights grow dim, and sable curtains shroud 
The gloomy chamber, and the solemn crowd. 
Ah ! what is this has changed the scene so soon ? 
There lies, in death, the virtuous, great Calhoun ! 
His country's Eagle drooped his wings, methought, 
And in his beak a sprig of Cypress brought. 
Approach, sad bird, and lay it on his bier, 
And let the muse bedew it with a tear. 
The Southern Grattan sleeps an endless sleep ; 
Well may'st thou mourn, and well his country weep. 
But Carolina ! come, and most of all, 
Hold o'er thy son the solemn funeral pall. 
Thou wert the idol of his earthly hope ; 
Thou wert his Sun, and he thy Heliotrope. 
Bear him, ye mourners, to that sunny home, 
Beneath those skies where he so loved to roam. 
Above his head, and o'er his honored grave, 
Let the Palmetto and Magnolia wave. 
There zealous pilgrims, at a future day, 
Beneath those sacred trees shall homage pay ; 
Until their bosoms lofty thoughts inspire, 
And in their soul they feel the patriot's fire. 

To Congress Hall the guide next leads the way ; 
It " stands adjourned," so here we need not stay. 
The Tower of Babel meets our wondering eyes, 
As, in its pride, it pierced those nether skies. 



23 



Imagination, here, all forms may paint, 
The church and steeple, bishop, sinner, saint; 
Organ and drum, with deep and booming sound, 
Sent back by echo, through the hollow ground; 
That throne on which the Wise of Kings appears, 
And knows the mother by a mother's tears ; 
Damocles' sword, and great Achilles' shield, 
And one which mighty Ajax could not wield ; 
The blood-stained Indian, decked in human scalps, 
And great Napoleon crossing o'er the Alps; 
High mountains, valleys, gorges, glens, and glades, 
Snow-hills, and coral banks, and white cascades; 
Temples and pyramids, and leaning towers, 
The vast Pantheon, and its Pagan powers ; 
Amid these Gods, a modest Virgin smiled, 
The sweet Madonna with her Saviour child. 
Majestic, grand, sublime, beyond them all, 
Is that vast avenue, or wondrous Hall, 
To which the father of his country's name, 
Just honor gives, and well-deserved fame. 
For untold ages, here no footsteps trod, 
Full in the centre, all alone with God, 
A grand stalagmite, of gigantic height, 
Meets the enchanted gazer's wildered sight; 
In fine proportions, like that patriot sage, 
The great Apollo of a recent age. 
But cease my muse, no human pen can trace, 
The varied wonders of this awful place. 
Yet see, Eliza ! mark that point of blue, 
In heaven's horizon that now meets our view : 
That single gleam of sky, pure, clear, and bright, 
Is worth all treasures of perennial night. 



24 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



CHAPTER III. 



SOCIETY. 



England has her Bath, and New York her Sara- 
toga—places of fashionable resort that present vari- 
ous attractions to those who live for admiration and 
the excitement attendant on dissipation ; but they 
want that calm repose, that freedom from restraint, 
that omission of conventional usages, which render 
the society of our Virginia Springs so delightful. 

Who would not rather luxuriate in imagination 
with the inimitable Scott, round the copse-grown 
precincts of St. Ronan's Well, and contemplate at 
leisure the various phases and eccentricities of hu- 
man character, portrayed in this, amongst the most 
graphic of his creations ; or even repose with Frank 
Tyrrel, for a season, at the solitary manse of the 
Cleikum, enjoying the comfortable housewifery of 
the notable Mrs. Dods, than engage in the routine 
of follies and absurd ceremonies which constitute 
the pleasures of a fashionable watering-place. 

Saratoga and other Northern watering-places, 
being brought by railroads into contiguity with large 
and populous cities and towns, and accessible to 
persons in every condition of life at a trifling ex- 



SOCIETY. 25 

pense, the mass of visiters is of course composed 
of all sorts of people. The knowledge of this fact 
makes men distrustful of each other's standing, and 
shy and reserved. Such a materiel wants, and ever 
will want, the enchanting ease of manner, dignity 
of deportment, and air of true gentility, founded on 
benevolence and forgetfulness of self, which distin- 
guishes Nature's gentleman from the mere cockney 
and pretender. 

At the Virginia Springs, on the contrary, there is 
a feeling of equality, a relinquishment of formality, 
a republican simplicity of manners, a reciprocity 
of kind, courteous, but unpretending civility that 
renders those places peculiarly agreeable. No 
one can have failed to observe the difference be- 
tween large and small communities, as regards so- 
ciability ; the latter being in some degree individu- 
ally dependent on each other, cultivate kindly feel- 
ings, and form strong attachments, whilst it is not 
uncommon for the resident of a city to be ignorant 
of the name of his next-door neighbor. So it is at 
Mineral Springs; the more populous they are, the 
less sociable. 

The great novelist from whom I have already 
quoted, makes indeed the following correct obser- 
vations on the subject : " The society at such places 
is regulated by their very nature, upon a scheme 
much more indulgent than that which rules the 
world of fashion, and the narrow circles of rank in 
2 



26 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

the metropolis. The titles of rank, birth and for- 
tune are received at the watering-place without any 
very strict investigation, as adequate to the purpose 
for which they are preferred ; and as the situation 
infers a certain degree of intimacy and sociability 
for the time, so, to whatever height it may have 
been carried, it is not understood to imply any du- 
ration beyond the length of the season. No inti- 
macy can be supposed more close for the time, and 
more transitory in its endurance, than that which is 
attached to a watering-place acquaintance." Yet 
there are numerous instances of permanent and 
ardent friendship among those rural retreats, and 
even the wily Cupid not unfrequently speeds his ar- 
rows from the shade of some majestic oak. 

"Hither come also," says the same author, "the 
unprincipled gamester, the impostor, the heartless 
fortune-hunter. But, besides these characters, who 
are actually dangerous to society, a well-frequented 
watering-place generally exhibits, for the amusement 
of the company, and the perplexity and amusement 
of the inexperienced, a sprinkling of persons called 
by the newspapers, eccentric characters — individuals, 
namely, who, either from some real derangement of 
their understanding, or, much more frequently, from 
an excess of vanity, are ambitious of distinguishing 
themselves by some striking peculiarity in dress or 
address, conversation or manners, and perhaps in 
all. Hither, too, comes th# saunterer. anxious to get 



SOCIETY. 27 

rid of that wearisome attendant, himself; and hither 
come both males and females, who, upon a different 
principle, desire to make themselves double." 

If health be the motive, it will readilv be con- 
ceded that a cheerful spirit, a disposition to be 
pleased, sympathy with the feelings of others, an 
entire suspension of care, and a fondness for rural 
scenes and enjoyments, are essential to the attain- 
ment of the object. The moody, selfish man can 
have no real enjoyment; his heart beats in unison 
with no human being; he measures mankind by the 
standard of his own sullen disposition ; he is suspi- 
cious of motive when treated with cordiality, and 
when not caressed, he deems his merits overlooked; 
his pride is wounded, and he takes revenge upon the 
world by shrouding himself in his offended dignity, 
and burying himself alive in his own melancholy 
reflections. 

The invalid is especially prone to be low-spirited 
and home-sick, and when the latter feeling possesses 
his mind, farewell to improvement ! All the facul- 
ties of the mind seem absorbed in that one thought, 
and it is utterty useless to oppose it. Let me there- 
fore advise those who visit the Springs for health, 
to do so with a firm resolution not to make them- 
selves unhappy about home; or if they distrust their 
own firmness, let them take with them the objects 
of so much solicitude ; otherwise their friends and 
themselves will be disappointed of happy results. 



28 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

The man who considers the vast influence of the 
passions and the affections over that wonderfully con- 
trived machine, the human body, will not think that 
I have attached too much importance to this matter. 
Would to God ! it were more generally taken into 
view, and we should see many of the maladies that 
are now treated, and often aggravated, by the com- 
pounds of the apothecary, readily yield to the more 
rational prescription of pure air, free exercise, free- 
dom from care, and cheerful society. 



MINERAL WATERS. 29 



CHAPTER IV. 



MINERAL WATERS. 



Having decided on a visit to the Virginia Springs, 
the next consideration should be, to enquire what 
water is adapted to the case. This is, indeed, an 
enquiry of the utmost importance, as upon its deci- 
sion may depend not only the recovery or disap- 
pointment of the invalid, but an injudicious direc- 
tion may result in most deplorable consequences. 

Whatever scepticism may have existed at a for- 
mer period among medical men as to the efficiency of 
mineral waters, no man, in our day, who has any 
claim to rank as a physician, can call their powers 
into question ; I shall not therefore enter into any 
argument on that subject. Unfortunately, however, 
they are no less potent for evil than good ; and it 
therefore becomes my duty not only to point out the 
advantages that may be derived from their proper 
use, but also the injuries that may result from their 
improper prescription. Both these duties I mean 
to perform to the extent of the moderate ability I 
possess, without fear, favor or prejudice. I have no 
connection or interest, directly or indirectly, with 
any of their proprietors, and shall, therefore, be 



30 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

guided in my estimate of them by my own reflec- 
tions and observations, derived from an experience 
of many years. Erroneous opinions I may enter- 
tain, but on their honesty, at least, the public may 
rely. 

Mineral Waters, as regards their properties, may 
be classed under the following heads : Carbonated ; 
Carbonated-Chalybeate ; Sulphuretted ; Chalybeate ; 
and Saline ; and as regards temperature, into Cold, 
Warm, and Hot. 

Carbonated Waters contain an excess of carbonic 
acid gas, which causes them to sparkle, and ren- 
ders them tonic and exhilarating. Of this class is 
the Sweet Springs of Virginia. The Red Sweet 
comes under the second head, or Carbonated-Cha- 
lybeate ; as the iron is probably held in solution as 
a carbonate by the carbonic acid. It is highly sti- 
mulant, exhilarating, and tonic. 

Sulphuretted Waters are such as contain sulphu- 
retted hydrogen, and are distinguished by the pecu- 
liar fetid smell of that gas. The White Sulphur, 
Salt Sulphur, Red Sulphur, and Blue Sulphur, are 
examples of this class. 

Chalybeate Waters are characterized by a strong 
inky taste, and by striking a black color with the 
infusion of galls. Waters of this class are nume- 
rous in the United States as well as in Europe. They 
are powerfully tonic. 

Saline Waters are those the prominent properties 



MINERAL WATEKBi 31 

of which depend on saline impregnation. Saratoga 
and the Rockbridge and Rath Alum waters are ex- 
amples of this class ; but, indeed, all our mineral 
waters, in various degrees, come under this head. 
They are aperient, sometimes purgative, and gene- 
rally stimulant. 

The temperature of all our Virginia Springs be- 
longs to the Cold, except the Warm and Hot Springs 
in Rath county. 

These definitions are intended to direct the atten- 
tion of the reader to my account of such Spring as 
he may think most probably adapted to the case in 
question. 

My plan is — first to give a brief description of 
each Spring and its environs, embracing everything 
I think may interest the reader, without excluding 
even occasional suggestions of fancy and imagina- 
tion ; for I do not think it necessary to be austere 
in order to be instructive. I shall therefore endea- 
vor to be governed by the maxim so beautifully 
expressed, and illustrated in his own writings, by 
Horace : 

He who, with art and with discernment nice, 
Delights his reader and imparts advice — 
Who blends the useful with his dulcet notes, 
From public favor carries all the votes. 

This, however, is a consummation rather to be 
desired than expected. 

The second step will be to explain the peculiar 



32 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

properties of each of those waters as they are 
known from analysis and experience, w T ith direc- 
tions how to use them, and in some instances, with 
cases illustrative of their virtues. 

Next will follow a catalogue of the diseases in 
which they have been found profitable, and again 
of those in which they are contra-indicated. 

Finally, the whole list of chronic diseases will 
pass under review. The author will give his opi- 
nion as to the water suited to each, and will sup- 
port that opinion, when necessary, by reference to 
established authorities and analogies to the effects 
of the most celebrated Springs of Europe. 

Before, however, he enters upon the individual 
Springs, he will devote a brief space to General Re- 
marks — which are equally applicable to all mineral 
waters. 

When the patient, under proper advice, has se- 
lected, and arrived at the Spring where he expects 
relief, there are some observances so essential to 
his success, that in a work professing in some de- 
gree to serve as his guide, it would be improper to 
omit calling attention to them. If he has directions 
from his family physician, the first question that 
suggests itself, is, Is he in the precise condition in 
which that physician saw him? If he be not, what 
change has taken place, and what new symptoms 
have occurred? It will readily be understood, that 
if the journey has been tedious and laborious, as in 



GENERAL REMARKS'. 83 

visits from the distant States, the invalid may have 
suffered from a change of water, he may be in a 
state of over-excitement, or exhaustion, from want 
of sleep, fatigue, or want of accustomed comforts. 
He may, from exposure, have taken cold and be in 
the incipient stage of catarrhal fever. His liver 
may have been deranged by the journeys. His arte- 
rial and nervous system may be abnormally excited. 
He may have headach, furred tongue ; or he may 
be constipated, or in other respects " out of sorts" 

Now is a man in any of these conditions to plunge 
into the Warm, Hot, or Sweet Spring Bath ; or is 
he to diink deep draughts of White, Salt, or Red 
Sulphur water? Assuredly, no! 

It may be necessary to administer some agent to 
improve the diseased secretion, or to give a brisk 
purgative, or to prescribe rest and regimen for two 
or three days, or even to deplete by general or local 
bleeding. If the derangement be a slight one, he 
may possibly be able himself to administer the ne- 
cessary preparatives, but if it be more serious, he 
should procure medical advice. It will be the 
wisest and safest plan, and may save him in the 
end time and money. 

I know there are various rumors circulated to the 
disadvantage of physicians resident at the Springs. 
In past times there may have been impositions 
practised in regard to charges; but I have made 
some enquiries on this subject, and believe they 
*2 



34 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

are now moderate and uniform. They are neces- 
sarily, however, somewhat higher than those of the 
family physician at home, as the expenses are also 
greater. 

I have touched on this subject, because I have 
seen persons absolutely lose all the chances of 
benefit from the waters for want of judicious ad- 
vice. Distant physicians — at least many of them — 
know nothing of the Virginia Springs, except as a 
group. Very frequentty, they do not know the dif- 
ference between the White Sulphur and the Red 
Sulphur ; and often confound the latter with the 
Red Sweet. When, therefore, a physician, thus ig- 
norant of the distinctive characters of those waters, 
undertakes to prescribe them, he is as likely to be 
wrong as right; and, indeed, we see, every season, 
many instances of such unfortunate mistakes. I 
spent a large portion of last season at the Salt 
Sulphur, and was consulted in several cases in 
which serious mistakes of this kind had been made. 
In every instance relief resulted from sending the 
patient to the water adapted to his disease. 

Whether he employs a physician or not, let me 
say to the invalid: " Be in slow haste." Suivey 
the whole ground according to the suggestions I 
have laid before you. Do not gulp down large 
quantities of water to expedite a cure. It would 
be about as wise as the conduct of a man who eats 
to repletion, in order to get the worth of his money, 



GENERAL REMARKS. 35 

or as that of the old negro who swallowed down 
all the physic left by his master, lest it should go to 
waste. Be moderate in all things. Take the water 
so as to insure its gradual diffusion through your 
system, that you may obtain that invisible and si- 
lent alterative action which is eventually to eradicate 
vour disease. Go to work coollv, calmlv and svs- 
tematically, and you will own the benefit of the 
advice. Carry in your mind the following pre- 
scription, or something like it, and perhaps it will 
aid you in a regular plan of conduct : 

If the weather and other circumstances admit, 
rise about 6, throw your cloak on your shoulders, 
visit the Spring, take a small-sized tumbler of water, 
move about in a brisk walk ; drink again at 6£, 
continuing moderate exercise — again at 7 ; break- 
fast when you can get it, (generally it is about 8, 
and that is early enough,) but let it be moderate 
and of suitable quality. In most cases, a nice, 
tender mutton chop, or a soft-boiled egg, (be sure it 
is fresh, and not preserved in lime.) or venison, or 
beef-steak, is admissible. Eat stale bread, or corn 
mush, or hominy — the latter a delightful article to 
be found at some of the Springs — a cup of black 
tea, not strong, or a glass of unskiinmed milk. From 
the above articles you may make a breakfast good 
enough for a king — if such an animal must live 
better than others of his species. You may well 
dispense with buckwheat cakes floating in butter, 



86 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

omelets of stale eggs, strong coffee, hot bread, and 
all the other adjuncts of an epicurean table. 

After breakfast, if you can command a carriage, 
or a horse, take a drive or ride, or amuse yourself 
as best you may until 12. Eat no luncheon. At 12, 
take a glass of water, walk in the shade, drink again 
at 12 J— again at 1. Dinner is usually about 2. 
Eat for nourishment and not for luxury. Avoid bad 
potatoes, cabbage, beets, turnips, onions, salt meat 
of every description, pastry, fruits, either cooked or 
in their natural state. Though innocent elsewhere, 
they are not usually so at Mineral Waters. 

Amuse yourself in social intercourse or gentle 
exercise until 6, take a glass of water— walk or 
ride until supper— take a cup of black tea or a 
glass of milk and a cracker. If you are a dancer, 
you may enjoy it, but in moderation, until 10, then 
retire to your room. Avoid the gaming table, as 
you would the road to death, and the gate to Hell. 

Such is the general prescription I give for invalids. 
It will readily be seen that it cannot, and indeed 
ought not, to be carried out in detail in every case. 
There will be many modifications necessary, which 
a discreet invalid or his judicious physician will not 
fail to adopt. 

If he finds himself improving, let him remain at 
the fountain ; but if, after a fair trial of the water, 
taken after the system has been properly prepared, 
and accompanied by something like the course I 



GENERAL REMARKS. 37 

have suggested, the symptoms of his disease be- 
come aggravated, or new ones supervene, then he 
should abandon the use of the water, and try to 
find another better adapted to his case. But if, by 
an act of imprudence he renders that noxious which, 
under more auspicious circumstances, would have 
been salutary, he should not visit upon it the blame 
due to his own indiscretion. 

It has been made a question how long a mineral 
water can be used with advantage. Different views 
are entertained on the subject; but I am convinced 
no general rule can be given , where so much de- 
pends on the disease, its intensity, the habits of the 
individual, and the effects produced. 

That there is a point of saturation, there can be 
no doubt, and when that is reached — indicated by 
furred tongue, headach, and other unpleasant symp- 
toms — it will be proper to intermit the use of the 
water for a few days, to take a little blue mass or 
other medicine, to make an excursion to the adja- 
cent country or neighboring Springs, and again after 
a week to resume the use of the water. Symptoms 
indicating this condition are however often produced 
by some act of imprudence, and when this is the 
case, the first step is reform. With these observ- 
ances, the season may be spent with advantage at 
any Spring that suits the patient's case, and I am 
sure that in cases of long-continued disease, it is 
folly to expect a radical cure in a few days. These 



38 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

remarks are do less applicable to the bathing than 
the drinking waters ; prudence being still more ne- 
cessary in using the former than the latter. 

Having now passed through all the preliminaries, 
I will plunge, at once, in medias res ; and as the 
White Sulphur is the centre of this interesting group, 
as Delphi was the Umbilicus of the earth, I will 
make it the starting point in my eccentric orbit. 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 89 



CHAPTER V. 

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

" Hse latebrse dulces, etiam (si credis) amcenee, 
Incolumem tibi rne preestent Septembribus horis.' 8 

The lovely valley in which this celebrated spring 
gushes from the earth, is situated in Greenbrier 
county, a few miles west of the great Alleghany, 
and is watered by Howard's creek, a tributary of 
Greenbrier river. The valley may be said to ex- 
tend several miles in a direction from N. E. to 
S. W., and in or near its centre is an extensive 
lawn, or, as the Greeks would call it, Paradise, 
which is the interesting object we have to describe. 

Advancing from the junction of the Warm 
Springs and Sweet Springs roads, you enter 
through a narrow neck, and the beautiful vista 
breaks upon your view. Here, on your right, is 
a lovely grove and walks leading to the Colonnade — ■ 
an imposing edifice, erected on a hill commanding 
a view of the valley to the southwest, and of the 
distant mountains. As you proceed along the pub- 
lic road you have, immediately on your right, an 
open and pretty lawn, flanked by a beautiful row 
of cottages, called Virginia Row. Across the 



40 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

centre lawn from this, and parallel with it, on a 
pretty steep slope of the western hill, is Baltimore 
Row, consisting of some seven or eight highly orna- 
mented cottages. Forming an angle with the lower 
end of Virginia Row T , and parallel with the road, 
is Broadway, and across the road, directly oppo- 
site is Georgia Row. Proceeding a little farther, 
you pass the modest but picturesque cottage of Mr. 
Calwell, (the venerable proprietor,) and through a 
gate on your right enter the main lawn, studded in 
every part by most magnificent oaks, around the 
trunks of which are permanent seats, usually occu- 
pied by groups of visiters. 

At this entrance is the Dining-house, a one-story 
unsightly frame building, which, with the Ball- 
room, a little above, most materially mars the 
beauty of the landscape. Opposite, along the 
brow of the hill, are Paradise Row, Louisiana 
Row and Alabama Row, extending in an irregular 
line from Baltimore Row already mentioned. At 
the upper extremity of Virginia Row is Bachelor's 
Row, and running across the lawn, and spoiling it, 
is Carolina Row. Besides these, there are Wolf 
Row and Spring Row, 

" And deep and low, 
Is Gaming Row" 

About 100 yards west from the Dining-house is 
the Spring. Just around it there is a slight de- 
pression of the surface, and at the depth of about 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 41 

six feet the water issues from a stratum of lime- 
stone rock. It is a copious stream, discharging 
probably twenty gallons in a minute. The pool is 
an octagon, about four feet and a half in diameter, 
and perhaps four feet deep, enclosed with slabs of 
freestone. The following description of this foun- 
tain was given some years since by Mr. Otis : 

" The spring bubbles up from the earth in the 
lowest part of the valley, and is covered by a taste- 
fully covered Pavilion, being a dome, supported by 
twelve Ionic columns, and surmounted by a grace- 
ful statue of Hygeia, the patron saint of healing, 
holding in her right hand a cup, as filled with water, 
and in her left a vegetable or herb. This statue 
was presented to the establishment by Mr. Hender- 
son, a wealthy planter of Louisiana, who I believe 
went from New England. 

" The Pavilion is surrounded by the grateful 
shade of old oaks, locusts, and elms ; and hither 
resort, as to a common focus, the converging radii 
of the crowd, intent upon banishing disease or ennui, 
gaining health or admiration, displaying personal 
charms or sacrificing to tashion. The invalid, pale, 
emaciated and wretched, may be seen there at al- 
most every hour, waiting till the giddy dance of the 
gay and volatile, who came there merely to gratify 
' a truant disposition/ shall leave the waters free for 
him to drink and be healed. The feverish flush, 
the hectic of consumption, the tottering gait of rheu- 



42 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

matism, the wasted form of the dyspeptic, may all 
be observed in contrast with the ruddy glow of 
manly health, the free, elastic step of youthful vigor, 
the gay smile of unpained hearts, and the loud laugh 
of mirth that knows not even the check of another's 
sufferings. 

" At about an hour before dinner, the fashionable 
lounge commences. Then commences the playing 
of the musicians at the ball-room — a fine band of 
performers, who amuse the visitants to the Springs 
an hour at noon, and divide with the waters the at- 
tention of the promenaders." 

At this period of the day, let us glance at the com- 
pany for a few moments. I have already more 
than once remarked on the society to be met with 
at the Virginia Springs, and hinted the causes to 
which its excellence was to be attributed ; but, 
having now reached the focus from which it ra- 
diates, I may be excused for dwelling on its phases 
with a little more minuteness. It is astonishing 
what a variety of character is presented here, to a 
close observer ; I say close observer, because there 
are some who " have eyes and see not." To say 
that all the elite of the nation are annually seen here 
would not be true ; but to say that a large portion 
of them, and of the learning, wit, beauty, elegance 
and fashion of the States is here assembled, is cer- 
tainly no exaggeration. 

Various are the motives which have brought them 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 43 

together ; but they may be reduced to three heads — 
health, avarice, and ambition. 

Of those actually in pursuit of health, the num- 
ber is comparatively small, though in course of a 
season they too form a goodly number, and to these 
may be added those who are attending on their in- 
valid friends, and those who seek a continuance of 
health in a favorable climate. It is, however, no 
want of charity to assert, that ambition, in some form, 
is the motive that actuates a large portion of visiters 
at fashionable watering-places. 

Is there a Presidential nomination in agitation, 
where else can the aspirant play his card with equal 
success, or gather with more certainty, the proba- 
bilities for or against him ? Where, by well-timed 
flattery and attentions, can he make people more 
pleased with themselves, and consequently with 
him? Let us imagine this Presidential candidate 
taking his mid-day walk to the fountain with his 
arm through that of his Nomenclator. 

They meet an elegant couple known to the great 
man's friend, and he throws a smile of kind recog- 
nition into his features, accosts, and introduces them : 

" General, I have an unexpected' but double plea- 
sure in introducing Mr. and Mrs. C. Mrs. C, Sir, 
is the daughter of the late venerable D. of Caro- 
lina, and this gentleman is the nephew of the Hon. 
F. G. of Virginia, whom you no doubt knew in 
your earlier days." 



44 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

" My dear Madam, lam overjoyed at seeing the 
daughter of my departed friend. We served toge- 
ther, and messed together, in the Congress of 1817, 
and a noble, talented man he was — the joy and de- 
light of our circle, and the great man among the 
great men of that day. And in you, my dear sir, I 
recognise the lineaments of my venerated friend, 
your uncle, with whom I had many a tilt in honor- 
able debate, in which I am not ashamed to own I 
was generally vanquished. Where are your quar- 
ters? I must have the pleasure of paying my re- 
spects." 

" John, he is a fine-looking old gentleman ; don't 
you think so ; it was pleasant to hear him speak so 
warmly and flatteringly of my dear father." 

" Yes, Mary, I think him vastly agreeable, and 
he seems to be a good judge of character and talents, 
from the manner in which he spoke of my worthy 
uncle. It was a lucky accident that threw him in 
our way ; he will undoubtedly be the next President, 
and as the relatives of us both were his bosom 
friends, what may not be expected at his hands? 
He shall have all the influence I can bring to bear 
upon the election." 

" Well, John, you are right ; I, too, will aid you 
all I can. I will take Mrs. P. out in my carriage 
this afternoon ; her husband is a delegate to the 
convention, and you know her will is his law. I 
should like vastly to spend a few winters in Wash- 
ington." 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 45 

The scene changes — it is morning — breakfast is 
just over, and a knot of fashionables are standing on 
the portico, cigar in mouth, hair smooth, beard 
combed, planning the amusements of the day: — 

" Boy, call my servant." — M Davy, bring out my 
buggy and the bay poneys. The blacksmith pricked 
Xanthus a little yesterday ; confound the awkward 
fellow ! is he entirely over it ?" 

" He yields a little yet, sir." 

" Well then let him rest to-day, and bring my 
gray mare." 

" The gray mare limps a little too, sir ; she got 
her foot fastened in the stall last night; it is but a 
trifle, but it would be well to " 

" Well, well, bring Janus ; after all he is my fa- 
vorite riding horse. I will show you, gentlemen, a 
grandson of Randolph's Janus — one of the best 
bred horses that has ever been in Virginia." 

" Ha ! yes, truly, that is a fine horse, see what a 
fore-arm he has, notice his neck and withers. What 
a beatiful head ! What are his gaits?" 

" He trots, canters, paces, gallops, and can walk 
six miles an hour." 

" If it is not an impertinent question, what do you 
hold him at?" 

" I never set a price upon him." 

" Will you take $ 300 for him ?" 

" Ha, ha ! that's good. A friend might have him 
for $ 500 — but not a cent less." 



46 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

" He is mine, sir." 

" Well, I am sorry to part with him, but I have 
so many of them. See, Davy is blubbering ; I am 
sorry for Davy's sake too, but his pet must go. I 
have passed my word and it must now be so." 

In those two we see specimens of the gentleman 
jockey, and the green youth, who has just come in 
possession of a large estate, and affects to be a 
great judge of horses. Davy, too, who cries so good- 
naturedly is up to snuff, and a pinch above it. 

Moody and sullen must be the soul of that man, 
who could not forget here, at least for one hour every 
day, his stomach, liver, and spleen, and feast his 
eyes on the lovely beings who congregate here to 
quaff these living waters. But if there be any such 
unsocial mortal, I would fain draw him into a bet- 
ter humor with the world, and to this end place him 
by an old stager, who will introduce to his notice 
some interesting individuals. 

Ha ! here is the very personage I desired. Mr. 
Pippin is troubled with acid stomach to-day, and is 
just in the mood to elicit his sarcasm. He tips Mr. 
Goodall: — " Can you inform me who that straight, 
starched-looking man is now approaching with a 
young lady, who seems to be his granddaughter?" 

" My good sir, that is Judge L. of A., and the 
young lady he is so interested in is a lovely girl of 
18, to whom he is paying his addresses." 

"Pugb! why he looks like a rack, on which she 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 47 

might hang her bonnet. See how sleek his wig is. 
Those teeth are all false. I guess his garments are 
all wadded. He, he, addressing that pretty crea- 
ture ! why, sir, he is at least — " 

" He is, by his own account, sir, just 48 last Whit- 
suntide. It is only a difference of 30 } r ears; that is 
nothing in our day; it is quite the fashion. Young 
girls are thoughtless, sometimes ; they want some 
one to look up to. What if this gentleman has a 
few false teeth, and a well-combed wig; they 
become him. He is a man of fortune and talents, 
and the young lady will have agreeable companions 
in his youngest daughters." 

"Youngest daughters! zounds, you will make me 
angry. It is a sacrifice, sir, a horrid sacrifice — and 
all for that starched, made up creature, tricked out 
with dead mens' bones and hair." 

" Fy, fy, Mr. Pippin, you are ill-natured to-day. 
He is indeed a little vain, and rather boyish; but 
widowers, you know, are somewhat excusable, if 
they are a little frisky sometimes. Pray, Mr. Pippin, 
are you not yourself of that interesting class of 
persons ? " 

" Yes, sir ; yes, I am a widower, but since I buried 
Mrs. P. — she was my third and best beloved wife — 
I have never thought of another." 

"Pray how long is it since that melancholy 
event?" 

" It will be just three months to-morrow ; but, sir, 



48 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

pray tell me who that interesting-looking woman is 
with a pretty, curly-headed boy by her side? Her 
manner seems extremely winning. Mark that fasci- 
nating smile. How beautifully white her teeth are ! 
Her lips are like two ripe cherries. And what a 
bust ! Ah ! there is indeed a woman ! " 

" So, so, Mr. Pippin, that will do pretty well for 
a widower of 'three months to-morrow.' No wig, 
no false teeth, eh ! O ! you widowers are all of the 
same chip: now, here am I, an old bachelor as cold 
as an icicle, while you " — 

" Have the heartburn, Mr. Goodall ; it is but a 
symptom of dyspepsia ; but, in truth, that is a fine- 
looking woman ; can you tell me aught of her his- 
tory ? " 

" O yes, I can tell you all about her : She married 
the first time, for love, a laborious, talented lawyer 
of New Orleans, but hard work and a bad climate 
led him to an untimely grave. Some ten years 
since she gave her hand a second time, to a wealthy 
old planter, who has left her a widow with an onty 
child, that little boy by her. She is reported to be 
a millionaire, and is again in the market. Who 
bids?" 

" I see you are disposed to be a little merry at 
my expense, but in truth I feel a little queer. As the 
Mantuan bard expressed it : 

' Aquosco veteris vestigia flamnm. 1 

But she is gone. Now tell me who this couple are. 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 49 

They are decidedly distingue. He is a foreign am- 
bassador, I suppose, or some high dignitary. A fine- 
looking man, but is conscious of it ; affects youth, 
evidently a man of the world, feels his consequence, 
but looks condescending and gracious. His wife is 
an intellectual-looking person, much younger, though 
she seems to desire to conceal the disparity, by her 
plainness of dress and unassuming manner. Who 
are they? " 

" They are the Hon. R. C. and his lady ; they 
are not long married. Hearken on my right — the 
starched gentleman seems to envy him ; he says 
C. was a lawyer of extensive practice in Maryland 
when he himself was yet a boy." 

" Whew ! it is sheer envy : the starched, upright 
gentleman is as least as old, and neither is a 
chicken ; both are on the shady side of threescore 
years. C. seems to enjoy his mortification, and to 
feel a pride in shewing off his fourth wife. You 
see, Mr. Pippin, there is a chance for you yet ; for, 
bating the dyspepsia, you are as young and good- 
looking as either of them." 

" But look up the walk, and see approaching the 
Belle of the season and her satellites. Mark the 
grace of her manner ; with what ease she seems to 
bestow an equal share of her favor on all. Her 
soul is laughing through her bright, blue eyes, and 
no doubt the little coquette is laughing in her sleeve 
at some of the silly pretenders to her hand. Cast 
3 



50 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

your eye towards yonder elm, where you see two 
middle-aged men seated. One of them is her 
father — an industrious, frugal, respectable man, 
who has accumulated a large fortune, which is quite 
as magnetic to those young bucks as the young 
lady's charms, transcendent and acknowledged as 
they are. The old gentleman's eye follows her 
with deep interest, and she too, though young, is 
not to be caught with chaff." 

A hundred pictures might be drawn of oddities, 
absurdities, eccentricities, nonentities, ambitious ma- 
mas, anxious papas, fascinating misses, agreeable 
spinsters, delectable fops, twaddling gossips, and 
stupid book-makers ; but, as a worthy divine of my 
acquaintance says, " I have not time for detail."* 

In the height of the season, from the 15th of July 
to the 20th of August, it is a gay, lively and ex- 
hilarating scene. The arrivals and departures ; 
the meeting with old acquaintances, and the forming 
of new ones ; the congratulation of friends on im- 
proved health ;■ the brilliant array of ladies, on the 
walks and in the ball-room ; the cheering sounds 
of a fine band of music ; the various groups and 
their varied discussions on love, politics and gastro- 
nomy ; and in the dining-room, the cursing of bread, 
abominating the butter, detesting the coffee, dis- 
liking the tea, scolding the servants, then the gal- 

* It may be proper to say that these pictures are altogether creations of imagi- 
nation. 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 51 

lopping consumption of mutton, the clashing of knives 
and forks, the trotting of negroes, the forlorn looks 
of those neglected, and the self-satisfied air of those 
who are provided with private dishes; all these 
might afford subjects of contemplation to the phi- 
losopher, and employ the pencil of a Hogarth. 

In truth, there is no place where one may see 
more of human character in a short time. Little- 
ness and selfishness betray themselves at every 
turn ; while true politeness, founded on its only ba- 
sis, a good heart, will be visible in all the acts of 
a high-minded man or benevolent woman. I have 
often amused myself by watching this extraordinary 
15 minutes scene of the dining-room. Only ima- 
gine 600 people in one room — all having been helped^ 
eaten their fill, and wiped their mouths in 20 minutes. 
All the improvements of the day fall short of this 
wonderful rapidity of mastication and deglutition. 

This may be all very well for the hale, robust 
man, but for a feeble invalid, or a delicate lady, it 
is vastly uncomfortable. There is, however, no 
cure for it under the present system ; therefore 
those concerned should try to make the best of it. 
The visiters themselves are mostly to blame. If 
all were willing to fare alike, and not have private 
dishes, the table would be much better served ; but 
this never will happen, while selfishness forms so 
large an ingredient in the human character. 

The lodging-rooms are generally comfortable and 



52 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

well supplied with the requisite furniture. The bath- 
ing establishment is fitted up with neatness, and ob- 
viates every objection hitherto made in respect to 
that inconvenience. At the eastern entrance there is 
a large Hotel — called Mastin's — which also is now 
under control of the Messrs. Calwell. The entire 
means of accommodation enables them to take in 
about 700 persons. 

But it is now time to leave these matters and turn 
to those of greater importance — the properties of 
the water, and its adaptation to the various diseases 
that present themselves in search of relief. It is a 
subject of great interest, and I bespeak the atten- 
tion and patience of the reader in travelling over 
the details necessary to illustrate the virtues of this 
valuable medicinal agent. 

Mineral Waters may be conveniently classed un- 
der the three following heads : Stimulants, Sedatives, 
Roborants. Under the first will be found the White 
Sulphur, the Salt Sulphur and the Blue Sulphur 
Springs. To the second may be referred the Red 
Sulphur. In the third are properly placed the Sweet 
Springs, and the Red Sweet Springs. 

Confessedly at the head of all the great Springs 
of Virginia stands the White Sulphur, and it is there- 
fore highly necessary to have some definite idea of 
its properties and the manner of its action. In 
forming an opinion of these we have to be guided 
by analysis and observation ; and although they are 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 53 

by no means satisfactory guides in every particular, 
yet by following them we shall not be as apt to fall 
into the ditch, as by rushing on headlong without 
the light of either. 

As the first step, then, in the guidance of the 
reader, I take the analysis of Aug. A. Hayes, Esq., 
of Roxbury, Massachusetts, upon which I have no 
doubt entire reliance may be placed. In the next 
place, I will give a comparative sketch of the White 
and Red Sulphur Springs ; the latter having been 
also analysed by the same gentleman. It will then 
be seen how those two remarkable waters differ, and 
how entirely opposite they are in many respects. 

ANALYSIS. 

" This water is colorless and transparent — when 
agitated, it sparkles from the disengagement of air 
bubbles. Taste hepatic, resembling that of a solu- 
tion of hydro-sulphuric acid in water. Exposed to 
the atmosphere, the hepatic odour is succeeded by a 
slight earthy odour. It blackens metals and salts of 
lead. Compared with pure water, free from air, its 
specific gravity is 1.00254. 

" 50,000 grains (about 7 pints) of this water con- 
tain, in solution, 3.633 water grain measures of 
gaseous matter, or about Yt of its volume consisting 
of— 



54 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



Nitrogen gas, 
Oxygen gas, 
Carbonic acid, 
Hydro-sulphuric acid, 


- 


1.013 

108 

2.444 

68 



3.633 
"One gallon, or 231 cubic inches of the water 
contain 16 iiro\ cubic inches of gas, having the pro- 
portion of — 

Nitrogen gas, - - 4.680 

Oxygen gas, - - 498 

Carbonic acid, - - 11.290 

Hydro-sulphuric acid, - 271 



16.739 
" 50,000 grains of this water contain 115 iinfd* 
grains of saline matter, consisting of — 

Sulphate of lime, - - 67.168 

Sulphate of magnesia, - 30.364 

Chloride of magnesium, - 859 

Carbonate of lime, - - 6.060 

Organic matter, (dried at 212° F.,) 3.740 
Carbonic acid, - - 4.584 

Silicates, (silica 1.34, potash 18, 
soda 66, magnesia and a trace 
oxyd. iron,) - - 2.960 



115.735 

" Unlike saline sulphuretted waters generally, 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 55 

this water contains a minute proportion of chlorine 
only, the sulphates of lime and magnesia forming 
nearly ten-elevenths of the saline matter. 

" The alkaline bases are also in very small propor- 
tion, and seem to be united to the silicious earths, in 
combination with a peculiar organic matter. The 
organic matter, in its physical and chemical charac- 
ter, resembles that found in the water of the Red 
Sulphur Springs, and differs essentially from the 
organic matter of some thermal waters. 

"In ascertaining its weight, it was rendered dry 
at the temperature of 212° F. When dry, it is a 
grayish- white, translucent solid. When recently 
separated from a fluid containing it, it appears as a 
thin jelly or mucilage, and gives to a large bulk of 
fluid a mucus-like appearance, with the property of 
frothing by agitation. It unites with metallic oxides 
and forms compounds both soluble and insoluble. 
In most cases an excess of base renders the com- 
pound insoluble. The compound with the oxide of 
silver, is soluble in water ; with baryta and lime it 
does not form a precipitate, while magnesia forms 
with it a hydrous white, gelatinous mass. In acids 
it dissolves, the oxy-acids do not change its com- 
position, while they are diluted and cold ; by boiling 
they produce sulphuric acid from its constituent 
sulphur, and change its carbon to other forms. In 
contact with earthy sulphates, at a moderate tem- 
perature, it produces hydro-sulphuric acid, and to 



56 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

this source that acid contained in the water may be traced. 
This substance does not rapidly attract oxygen from 
the atmosphere and from colored compounds, as 
some other organic compounds do. The proportion 
of organic matter, like that usually contained in our 
waters, is in this water very small, until forty-nine- 
fiftieths of the bulk of a quantity is evaporated, the 
residual matter does not become colored, and when 
the saline residue is dried it is of a pale yellow. 

" The medicinal properties of this water are pro- 
bably due to the action of this organic substance. 
The hydro-sulphuric acid resulting from its natural 
action is one of the most active substances within 
the reach of physicians, and there are chemical rea- 
sons for supposing that, after the water has reached the 
stomach, similar changes, accompanied by the product of 
hydro-sulphuric acid, take place. 

" Substances, having characters similar to those 
presented by this matter, have been classed w r ith 
the lower order of living plants. With such mat- 
ters, this substance does not belong in the state in 
which it is found in the water, for it there forms 
compounds, the result of chemical affinities, wholly 
incompatible with vital action. In its altered state, 
produced by atmospheric agencies, it may nourish 
plants and develope the growth of seeds fitted to 
such a soil as its elements form. 

"AUG. A. HAYES. 

" R®xb%iry Laboratory, Feb. 1st, 1842.** 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, 



51 



COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RED AND WHITE 
SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



WHITE SULPHUR. 

" 50,000 grains (about 7 pints,) 
of this water contain in solu- 
tion 3,633 water grain mea- 
sures of gaseous matter, or 
about one-fourteenth of its 
volume, consisting of — 



Nitrogen gas, 
Oxygen gas, - 
Carbonic acid, 
Hydro-sulphuric acid, 



1,013 

108 
2,444 

68 

3,633 



" 50,000 grains of this water con- 
tain 115.735 grains of saline 
matter, consisting of — * 



Sulphate of lime, 
Sulphate of magnesia, 
Chloride of magnesium, 
Carbonate of lime, 
Organic matter, dried at 

212° F., - 
Carbonic acid, 
Silicates : silica, 1.34, 
potash, .18, magnesia, 
and a trace oxyd. iron, 



67.168 

30.364 

.859 

6.060 

4.740 

4.584 



2.960 



115.735 



RED SULPHUR. 

;< 50,000 grains (nearly 7 pints,) 
of this water contain, dis- 
solved as gases, water grain 
measure — 



Nitrogen gas, 
Oxygen gas, 
Carbonic acid, 
Hydro-sulphuric acid, 



1,497 

260 

1,245 

86 

3,088 



" 50,000 grains of this water 
afford, of — 

Silicious and earthy matter, 70 

Sulphate of soda, - 3.55 

Sulphate of lime, - 47 

Carbonate of lime, - 4.50 

Carbonate of magnesia, 4.13 

Sulphur compound, - 7.20 



20.55" 



An inspection of the above comparative tables 
exhibits some curious and important facts. First, 
the whole volume of gas in an equal quantity of 
water (50,000 grains) of the White exceeds that of 
the Red, by 545 grains. Secondly, the carbonic 
gas in the White is nearly double that of the Red ; 
thirdly, in nitrogen and oxygen, the Red predomi- 
nates, and fourthly, (what no one would suspect, 
3* 



58 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

judging from the sense of smell,) there is less sul- 
phuretted hydrogen in the White than the Red, by 
nearly one-fourth. 

Again: there are in the White 115iifo A o* of saline 
matter to 2$^$ in the Red, or about five times as 
much. Included in this amount, however, there is 
of the peculiar organic matter termed sulphur com- 
pound, in the White only 3iVoV™while in the Red 
there is 7-33nr, or nearly double. 

A careful review of these data will enable us to 
judge with some accuracy of the probable mode of 
action of both waters. First, as to the gases : The 
most palpable agent of course, in all sulphur wa- 
ters, is that which distinctly marks their character, 
viz: sulphuretted hydrogen, or hydro-sulphuric acid 
gas. It is known to be the most active of all the 
gases found in those waters, and as their constitu- 
tional effects on the human system in a state of dis- 
ease is mainly to be expected from the searching and 
alterative power of this gas and its combinations, it 
is essential to understand whether it belongs to the 
class of stimulants or sedatives. An attempt has 
been made to characterize it as a " Nervine Stimu- 
lant" and to establish as a fact that the use of the 
water fresh from the spring was in many cases 
highly deleterious, while the same water, after this 
noxious gas was suffered to escape, became admi- 
rably adapted to those cases. 

Is sulphuretted hydrogen a stimulant? Hear 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 59 

the answer: " Sulphuretted hydrogen is a color- 
less gas, having the odor of putrid eggs ; it is most 
offensive when in small quantity, when a mere trace 
is present in the air. It is not irritating, but, on the 
contrary, powerfully narcotic. When set on fire, it 
burns with a blue flame, producing water and sul- 
phurous acid when the supply of air is abundant, 
and depositing sulphur when the oxygen is deficient. 
Mixed with chlorine it is instantly decomposed, with 
separation of the whole of the sulphur."* Here then 
is at once an authoritative contradiction of a bold 
assertion. The agent represented as a stimulant 
is in fact a powerful sedative, as will more fully 
appear by the illustrations that follow. 

It has been seen by the analysis, that this gas in 
the Red Sulphur is more abundant by nearly one- 
fourth than in the White. I have never yet seen 
any intelligent man who knew anything of the Red 
Sulphur, that did not give it rank as a sedative. 
The following quotation from Dr. Moorman admits 
the less stimulant character of the Red : 

"The Red Sulphur is the least stimulating of our 
sulphur waters, and by some is even regarded as a 
sedative. It is employed with good effect in many 
cases for which our other sulphur waters are pre- 
scribed, and being less exciting than any other, may 
be successfully used in some cases in which other 
waters would be contra-indicated." 

* Fowne's Chemistry, p. 161. 



60 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

The increased odor of the White Sulphur is 
readily accounted for by the fact already stated by 
the chemist, that the smaller the quantity of gas 
there is in the atmosphere the more intense is the 
smell, while from the same paragraph we learn that 
when there is a deficiency of oxygen combined 
with it, it deposits sulphur more readily. I ask 
the reader now to look at the comparative analysis 
of the Red and White Sulphur waters. He will 
see that the oxygen in the Red being more than 
double that in the White, the gas is retained longer, 
while; the smaller amount of oxygen in the White 
causes the gas to be deposited in the form of sul- 
phur ; and this accounts for the more abundant de- 
posit of sulphur by the White than by the Red. 
These are important facts, all proving the falsity of 
the unfounded theory that has been so confidently 
propagated. 

This valuable medicinal agent, then, has been 
wronged, if not slandered. There cannot be a 
doubt that many try this water, annually, with 
whom it disagrees, as may any water when impro- 
perly used ; and in such a case it is the duty of a 
candid physician to direct his patient to some other 
Sulphur Spring ; or if he has reason to believe, that 
from some peculiarity or idiosyncrasy, there is no 
one of those waters adapted to the case, he should 
direct him to some other of the great family of 
springs in that region, or should send him back to 
the comforts and endearments of home. 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 61 

In relation to the other gases, it appears that car- 
bonic acid largely predominates. It is this, proba- 
bly, that gives the water that brisk, light feeling in 
the stomach, which is so generally ascribed to it. 

Nitrogen gas, of which it also possesses a consi- 
derable volume, is believed to possess of itself very 
little medicinal power, though it is impossible to say 
how it may act in combination with other agents. 
That it has no stimulant tendency, may be inferred 
from its being found more largely in the Red Sul- 
phur. 

We must, therefore, look for the stimulating pro- 
perties of the White Sulphur and other analogous 
waters, to something besides the gases, unless in- 
deed the carbonic acid, as is highly probable, con- 
tributes to that property. But to the presence of a 
large amount of saline matter is, no doubt, most of 
all, owing its stimulant properties, and to the fact 
that some of the saline ingredients dissolved in car- 
bonic acid, and in well-balanced proportion with the 
other gases, act not only on the digestive organs, but 
are carried directly into the system by the arsorb- 
ents. 

The visible effects of mineral waters are, perspi- 
ration, secretion of the mucous surfaces, increased 
or moderated, and modified excretions of the abdo- 
minal viscera, stimulation of the organic powers lo 
a higher grade of action, sedation of over action, 
and as a consequent of either of the two last, a toni- 



©2 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

fication or invigoration of the system, and its resto- 
ration to a normal condition. When these changes 
occur, they are perceptible to our senses ; but that 
still and silent progress of change or alterative action 
that produces these results is as invisible as man's 
conscience and motives in the moral world. 

From what we know, however, we may draw in- 
ferences relative to things we do not know, which 
if not in every respect satisfactory, yet materially 
aid us in the development of physical causes and 
effects. This mode of investigation is daily pro- 
ducing the most extraordinary results ; and although 
there is manifestly a goal beyond which human re- 
search and reason cannot pass, yet there is still 
left an almost infinite field for the exercise of man's 
ingenuity. 

Returning from these digressive reflections to the 
immediate subject before us, let us endeavor to 
trace the peculiar mode of action of the White 
Sulphur water ; and as the same remarks will be in 
a great degree applicable to the Salt Sulphur and 
other Springs, resembling in their general properties 
this celebrated fountain, there will be less need of 
dwelling with minuteness on them when I bring 
them before the reader. 

I have shewn that, so far from sulphuretted hy- 
drogen being a stimulant, it is highly sedative, and 
I illustrated this fact by the Red Sulphur, which, 
though an acknowledged sedative, contains more of 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 63 

the gas than the White Sulphur ; now we may see 
that the preponderating salts in the White are sul- 
phate of lime, sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts) 
and carbonate of lime. No one will deny that 
these are stimulant salts, and if taken without the 
modifying agency of the sulphuretted hydrogen 
and the sulphur compound — that bland substance 
so satisfactorily designated by the chemist — the pro- 
bability is, that their action would be transient and 
accompanied by no constitutional change. They 
would act, no doubt, as Saratoga water, though in 
an inferior degree, in producing fluid evacuations, 
with but little or no effect on the liver, spleen, mu- 
cous surfaces, or skin. As especially bearing on 
this point, I make quotation of the following judi- 
cious remarks of Dr. Armstrong: 

" The first thing that struck me in regard to the 
operation of the Harrowgate sulphurous water, was, 
that the bowels might be opened by it day after 
day, week after week, without debility being pro- 
duced ; nay, on the contrary, most patients gained 
both strength and flesh, notwithstanding they had 
daily and copious evacuations. This circumstance 
alone seemed to give the sulphurous water a most 
decided advantage over the purgatives in common 
use ; for it must be admitted, that they cannot be 
long continued in chronic diseases without diminish- 
ing the strength. Tor some time, therefore, I solely 
attributed the efficacy of the sulphurous water to 



64 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

its purgative property, together with the peculiarity, 
that its long-continued exhibition caused no debi- 
lit3^ ; and as for a considerable period the complaints 
in which I prescribed were chiefly stomachic and 
hepatic, I was the more confirmed in this opinion 
as to its operation. But cases of chronic disease 
fell under my observation at various times, in which 
the sulphurous water was most decidedly beneficial, 
and that too where the bowels had been scantily 
moved ; and as the effects in these cases could by 
no means be attributed to its action on the intestines, 
I was led to enquire whether it might not have some 
agency which had escaped my observation. In at- 
tending more closely to the changes which the water 
induced, I found that it acted most powerfully on 
the secretory glands of the body, but more espe- 
cially on the liver, on the kidneys, on the mucous 
coat of the intestines, and on the skin. 

" Here a new operation was presented to my en- 
quiry. In reflecting on all the facts which had come 
before me, I ascertained that this water had removed 
chronic affections of various internal and external 
parts ; and hence at length the inference followed, 
that it was really beneficial as a very powerful al- 
terative, and that it had a direct influence over 
chronic inflammation, wherever it be seated, whe- 
ther in the viscera or upon the surface of the body. 
In still pursuing the consideration of the subject, I 
was fully satisfied that I had arrived at a general 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS- 05 

principle in the operation of the sulphurous water i 
for, some time afterwards, on trial of that at Dins- 
dale, near Darlington, I found that its effects were 
also very powerful in chronic inflammations, though 
it be but slightly laxative. It at once, therefore, oc- 
curred to me, that the chief efficacy of the sulphurous 
waters of Harrowgate and of Dinsdale depended upon 
the sulphuretted hydrogen gas which they both contained? 
and indeed the principal difference between the two 
waters is, that the first contains less of the sulphu- 
retted hydrogen gas, but more of the saline ingre- 
dients than the last, so that by adding very small 
doses of purgative salts to the one, it may be made 
to operate like the other in many cases.'* 

The White Sulphur, like the Harrowgate water, 
owes its power over the secretory glands, mainly to 
the sulphuretted hydrogen, while the admirable 
combination of active salts makes it a resolvent, and 
imparts to it an expulsive power over the secretions* 
It is its richness in these salts that renders it supe- 
rior, in hepatic and other visceral diseases, to the 
Red Sulphur, while these very ingredients forbid its 
use in organic diseases of the lungs, the heart and 
uterus. 

If the premises I have adopted be correct, it fol- 
lows, that relief may be generally expected in the 
chronic forms of those diseases that will admit of 
stimulation of the organism. Accordingly, we find 
that such is in fact the case, as may be seen by in- 



66 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

spection of the large class in which they are known 
to be the most efficient. These are : 

Diseases of the liver — such as engorgement, in- 
duration, concretions, jaundice and other functional 
aberrations and abnormal conditions, usually the 
consequences of exposure to miasma and residence 
in sickly southern localities ; constipation, bilious 
diarrhoea, dyspepsia in some of its forms ; neural- 
gia, proceeding from impaired digestion, haemor- 
rhoids and dry piles, chlorosis, cutaneous erup- 
tions generally ; hysteria, chorea, symptomatic pa- 
ralysis, symptomatic epilepsy, amenorrhoea, chronic 
rheumatism and gout, anasarca, enlarged spleen, se- 
condary syphilis, gleet, &c. 

The use of the water is contra-indicated in affec- 
tions of the larynx, trachea and bronchia ; in fine, 
in all irritations of the mucous membrane, whether 
of the thoracic or abdominal viscera. In phthisis, 
organic or functional disease of the heart, chronic ir- 
ritation of the uterus, dysmenorrhsea, menorrhagia, 
cancer of the uterus, idiopathic epilepsy and pa- 
ralysis, and all irritations of the brain or spinal 
marrow. 

Those enumerated are only a portion of the dis- 
eases that make up the debit and credit account ; 
and the side to w r hich may be brought the balance 
in any one season, will mainly depend on the ability 
and honesty of the medical adviser, on whose shoul- 
ders accordingly rests no inconsiderable responsi- 
bility. 



DYSPEPSIA. • 67 



CHAPTER VI. 

I now proceed to glance at some of the diseases 
I have enumerated as relieved by the White 
Sulphur. 

My readers will of course understand that I do 
not attempt an elaborate treatise on any of the sub- 
jects discussed in this work. My highest ambition 
is, to throw out some hints that may serve to direct 
the young, inexperienced physician, or the intelli- 
gent patient, capable in some degree of treating 
himself — if, indeed, there be any one, professional 
or unprofessional, capable of managing his own 
case, which I very much doubt, owing to that prin- 
ciple of self-love, and consequent self-indulgence, 
which is inherent in man. 

When Menenius Agrippa quelled the turbulent 
passions of the Roman populace, by repeating to 
them the beautiful fable of the stomach and mem- 
bers of the human body, he set forth, in bold relief, 
the advantages derived through the agency of that 
great reservoir, from which proceed the elements of 
that vital current that swells the muscular arm of 
the patriot, and tinges with a modest blush the 



68 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

maiden's cheek ; but if it had equally suited his 
purpose, he might have depicted, with no less 
truthfulness, the wan cheek, the tottering step, the 
sunken eye, the palsied tongue, produced by pam- 
pering it to repletion. 

The stomach is situated immediately below the 
diaphragm, the cardia being nearly opposite to the 
middle of the vertebrae ; from thence it bulges out 
to the left side, the great curvature coming forward 
and downward ; it then passes on to the right side, 
rising upwards, so that the pylorus is not much far- 
ther from the diaphragm than the cardia ; when, 
therefore, a man is in an erect posture, substances 
must ascend to pass through the pylorus. In its 
flaccid state it occupies the epigastrium and part of 
the left hypochondrium ; whilst, when distended, it 
exchanges its flattened for a rounded form, and fills 
almost completely the hypochondrium, the greater 
curvature descending towards the umbilicus, par- 
ticularly on the left side. On account of the resist- 
ance opposed by the vertebral column, the pos- 
terior surface of the stomach cannot distend itself 
in that direction ; this viscus is therefore wholly 
carried forward. The dilatation of the stomach 
produces very important changes in the abdomen. 
The total volume of the cavity augments ; the belly 
juts out, the abdominal viscera are compressed 
with greater force. At the same time the dia- 
phragm is pressed towards the breast, and it 



DYSPEPSIA. 69 

descends with some difficulty, whence the respira- 
tory motions are impeded. 

The villous or mucous membrane has a whitish- 
red appearance, and presents a singular velvet-like 
appearance, from which it has derived its name. 
Not being elastic, it has numerous folds, or rugce, 
which supply this deficiency, and serve to accom- 
modate the capacity of the stomach to the bulk of 
its contents, and at the same time to retain the ali- 
ment until it is duly elaborated. 

The stomach is abundantly vascular ; indeed it 
may be observed, that few structures receive so 
much blood as this organ. Four arteries, three of 
which are considerable, are exclusively devoted to 
its service, and their several branches, communi- 
cate most freely with each other in all directions 
by innumerable anastomoses ; and being tortuous 
they can accommodate themselves to the full and 
empty states of the cavity. Nor are its nerves 
less numerous ; they are composed of the eighth 
pair, and a great many filaments proceeding from 
the solar plexus of the great sympathetic. 

The different secretions concerned in digestion 
are thus enumerated by Dr. Paris : 

1st. Saliva, which is formed by glands whose 
excretory ducts open into the mouth. 2d. Mucous 
matter, which results from the action of numerous 
follicles situated in the interior of the cheeks and 
palate, upon the back of the tongue, on the anterior 



& 



70 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

aspect of the velum and on the uvula. 3d. Gastric 
juice, formed by the glands of the stomach, and 
the mucus secreted by its membrane. 4th. Mucus 
intestinalis, or proper juice of the duodenum and 
small intestines. 5th. Bile, which, being secreted 
in the liver, and rendered more stimulating in the 
gall bladder, is afterwards carried into the duode- 
num. 6th. Pancreatic juice, which is secreted in 
the pancreas, and carried into the duodenum along 
with the bile ; to which, perhaps, may be added 
the watery jluids thrown into the intestines by the 
exhalants." 

If we may be allowed to conceive a condition of 
the system in which all the organs of digestion ac- 
curately perform their respective functions, and 
harmonise beautifully with each other, like the 
well-oiled mechanism of the steam engine, we may 
well believe it a state of perfect health ; and indeed, 
it were difficult to connect with such a condition 
the idea of disease in any organ of the human 
body. But, as in the engine, besides the wear and 
tear incident to matter, an unskilful and careless en- 
gineer, who piles on fuel, raises the steam above the 
point of security, and neglects the safety valve, 
hazards a concussion awful to contemplate ; or by 
delaying some repair which at first sight may seem 
of minor importance, deranges first one portion of 
the machinery, then another, until all parts become 
finally implicated and obstructed. So it is with the 



DYSPEPSIA. 7.1 

human frame ; if from any cause it receives a shock 
which overpowers its vital energies, it succumbs 
to the blow. If any of its organs become so im- 
paired as to produce diseased functions, a continu- 
ance of that condition will, in the end, react upon 
the organ, involve other organs and their functions 
in the derangement, and finally undermine the con- 
stitution. 

Dyspepsia is most generally produced by a series 
of errors in diet ; in which, of course, we include 
improper potations. Everyman has a certain de- 
gree of vital energy allotted to his organism, which 
constitutes health, and an addition, or diminution 
therefrom, elevates or depresses that power so as to 
constitute an abnormal condition. Let us apply 
this principle to the stomach, and we can very 
readily understand how it becomes diseased. Let 
us suppose the vital energy possessed by the sto- 
mach of A., who labors on the canal, to be 20, and 
that of B., a merchant, who is all day hanging over 
his desk, to be 15 ; now A. rises at dawn, works 
until 8 A. M., in all probability has roused into ac- 
tion all the organs of secretion and excretion, and 
has a relish and appetite for his breakfast. He 
needs no buckwheat cakes floating in butter, to ex- 
cite his salivary glands, and he is contented with a 
plain but plentiful meal. B., on the contrary, sleeps, 
or rather lies in bed, until 7 A. M., and dresses in 
time to meet his family at the breakfast-table at 8 ; 



72 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

his bowels are constipated, his liver is torpid, his 
kidneys are sluggish, his skin is dry, he has a mor- 
bid appetite, he eats hot rolls and butter, beefsteak, 
or mutton-chops, or likely enough both, A dish of 
stewed oysters now makes its appearance, and he 
cannot resist the temptation — some three or four va- 
rieties of hot cakes are served, and it is necessary 
to decide which is the best ; so he must have a nibble 
at all. Two large cups of coffee accompany this 
meal, and he is literally crammed to repletion. A. 
returns to his work, whistles or sings all the while, 
or cracks a joke with his fellow-laborer ; at noon 
he eats his allowance of bread and fat bacon, at 
night he again takes his homely meal, and at a pro- 
per hour retires to his hard couch and enjoys a 
depth of slumber that kings may envy. B., after 
the meal through which we have already accompa- 
nied him, walks to his counting-room, pores over 
his books, has a note to pay in bank, for which he is 
not prepared, is fretted, or perhaps alarmed, leaves 
his business at 3 P. M., takes a glass of toddy to 
stimulate his appetite, eats turtle soup, corned beef, 
roast mutton, baked oysters, boiled fish, wild ducks, 
bread, potatoes, hominy, celery, variety pudding, 
crackers and cheese, apples and raisins ; he drinks 
ale, champagne, sherry, and perhaps port. He 
lounges away his time until supper, takes tea or 
coffee, writes until late, and then retires to repose ! 
Now observe that the conduct of these two per- 



DYSPEPSIA. 73 

sons is in the inverse ratio of their vital powers. 
While A. invigorates his digestive organs by just 
that degree of stimulation which Nature informs him 
is necessary to repair the waste by the different ex- 
cretions, B. over-stimulates his already feeble sto- 
mach, gives it a task to perform which would oppress 
even the vigorous powers of A., and by a succes- 
sion of such abuses lays the foundation of maladies 
as grievous as they are unmanageable. Will it be 
said that I have caricatured the habits of B. ? Alas ! 
there are too many fac-similes, and I am very cer- 
tain that I might, with truth, have given a deeper 
coloring to the picture, in many cases. 

If B., whose digestive powers may perhaps be 
adequate to a slice of cold bread and half a pound 
of roast beef or mutton, takes the varied dinner I 
have already described, or something like it, he 
applies an over-stimulus to the nervous expansion : 
the nerves notify the brain that an additional supply 
of blood is necessary ; the brain sends its orders to 
gather the blood from the capillary system, and, 
guided by anxiety of the nerves, directs the vital 
current to the mucous coat; next follows plethora, 
or engorgement ; then succeeds irritation of the 
gastric nerves ; then follows an excessive secretion 
of acid and of air ; next come pain, flatulence, 
heartburn, and innumerable ills. 

A succession of irritations will produce inflamma- 
tion, and then follows a defective or highly vitiated 



74 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

secretion ; the pyloric glands no longer discriminate 
between the portions of chyme presented to them — 
it enters the duodenum in a vitiated condition — the 
nerves of this organ demand the sympathies of the 
liver and pancreas — these are over stimulated, irri- 
tated, engorged ; they send through their ducts 
highly concentrated and acrid secretions, the mucous 
coat of the intestines is irritated, and the result is 
mucous diarrhoea or dysentery. In another portion 
of this work I have to consider the effects produced 
by disease of the stomach on the lungs and bronchi ; 
I shall, therefore, for the present only remark, that 
they are both extensive and important* The heart, 
the kidneys, the skin, and the brain, are all most 
seriously affected by derangement of the digestive 
apparatus. 

The s} T mptoms of Dyspepsia are, want of appetite, 
morbid appetite, nausea immediately after eating, vo- 
miting sour matter frequently without previous nau- 
sea, flatus and eructation, cardialgia or heartburn, 
spasm of the stomach, pyrosis or water-brash ; cos- 
tiveness, and almost necessarily, hypochondriasis, are 
attendants upon most cases of dyspepsia. Two or 
more of these symptoms are invariably present, 
even in the slightest forms of dyspepsia, and to 
counteract them and restore normal functions are 
the objects to be kept in view. It is very plain that 
the first step to be taken towards such a result is, 
the reform of any bad habits of food or drink, want 



DYSPEPSIA. 75 

of exercise in the open air, intense application to 
business, or any other agency that may have been 
instrumental in inducing and fostering the disease. 
Medicine can do less, perhaps, in this disease, than 
any other. Abstinence from improper articles of 
food or indulgence of any kind ; regularity in taking 
meals, exercise and sleep ; keeping the external 
covering of the body in good condition by regular 
ablutions, and the bath if possible ; encouraging 
cheerfulness and hopefulness ; travelling in suitable 
seasons, and especially visiting the Mineral Waters : 
these are the means to be relied on in the relief of 
dyspepsia. 

From the constitution of the White Sulphur wa- 
ter, it may very reasonably be anticipated that it is 
well calculated to counteract many of the symptoms 
I have enumerated, and consequently give prompt 
relief. Such, indeed, is the case, and accordingly 
we annually see many cases of relief here. It will 
not, however, succeed in every case ; but when it fails, 
it is usually in cases complicated with affections of 
the heart or lungs, or some other organic lesion in 
which it is contra-indicated. 

In these cases, the Red Sulphur, or the Iodine 
Salt Sulphur, or the Alum Springs, in Bath and 
Rockbridge counties, will probabty be more appro- 
priate ; but in discriminating between them, there is 
need of some tact and experience. The old Salt 
Sulphur is also available, and very generally sue- 



78 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

cessful, in this disease, as we shall see when treat- 
ing of that spring. 

In some cases of dyspepsia, when all the others 
fail, prompt and decided relief will be had at the 
Sweet Springs, and at the Red Sweet Springs, both 
from drinking and bathing. It will be seen also, 
that much may be expected from a proper use of 
the Hot and Warm Springs. 

Diseases of the Liver. — -This important organ is 
the seat of numerous deviations from a healthy con- 
dition, and seems especially to suffer from high at- 
mospheric temperature. Accordingly we find that 
in the Southern latitudes, and in locations subject to 
noxious exhalations, that class of diseases usually 
denominated bilious, is most frequent. The forms 
of disease of this organ, with w r hich I have to do, 
are, its functional aberrations and chronic ftepatitis. 

The secretions of bile may be redundant or de- 
fective, or they may be acrid, or deficient in stimu- 
lative properties. These conditions are dependent, 
in all probability, on the quantity and quality of the 
blood presented for secretion, and that is affected 
by the digestion and chylification, and finally by 
the poisonous effluvia of a corrupted atmosphere. 

In no disease may more be expected from change 
of climate and habits of life than in diseased func- 
tions of the liver, and in no region of the United 
States is there a summer climate more favorable 
than the transmontane division of Virginia. Inde- 



DISEASE OF THE LIVEK. 77 

pendent, then, of all mineral waters, much may be 
expected from visiting this region ; but when the 
agency of the greatest variety of Mineral Springs 
may be obtained in connection w^ith climate, our 
Southern friends have inducements to visit Virginia 
which are not presented by any other region of the 
Union. 

Now, to say that any one of the Sulphur Springs 
is a specific, in all varieties of functional diseases of 
the liver, is to display great ignorance of the action 
of those agents. I would desire to impress upon 
the reader that it is not a purgative effect that is 
desirable in those cases. If it were, those waters 
that act most freely upon the bowels would be the 
most prompt to relieve the disease, and Saratoga 
water would claim preference over all other waters 
in the United States, in those conditions of the sys- 
tem ; but such is not the case. We want an agent 
that will, in the first place, modify the original cause 
of the hepatic affection, and produce thereon an al- 
terative effect ; and this agent, I have already de- 
monstrated, is sulphuretted hydrogen, combined with the 
salts usually held in solution in the Virginia Sulphur 
waters. 

I agree with Dr. Goode, that there are cases of 
hepatic functional disease that may be, and are re- 
lieved by the Hot Springs alone ; but I am also cer- 
tain, that the surest plan is to visit first a Sulphur 
water, and to spend the latter portion of the season 



78 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

at the Hot Springs, or, which in my view is better, 
to alternate these remedies through the season. Mi- 
nute portions of blue mass should be used in con- 
nection with the Sulphur waters and warm bathing 
in hepatic diseases. It may be used with great 
safety, as the sulphuretted hydrogen prevents any 
permanent constitutional effect, and it will be found 
a most valuable auxiliary. 

The waters of the White and Salt Sulphur will 
be found the most generally powerful in those sequela 
of Southern bilious diseases. It is impossible to 
visit the White Sulphur and not be daily witness of 
the improved appearance of those sallow-faces that 
present themselves to the observer. 

Engorgement and induration of the liver, are, how- 
ever, sometimes beyond its power, and in such 
cases the first impulse must be given by the Spout 
Bath at the Hot Springs. Then the White and 
Salt Sulphurs may be used and alternated with 
great advantage. 

In some cases of chronic hepatitis the Red Sulphur 
is alone to be alternated with the Hot. In no case, 
until the liver is completely emulged, and all the 
symptoms of hepatic disease removed, are the 
Sweet or Red Sweet admissible. 

I need scarcely say that jatmdice, when the con- 
sequence of functional aberration of the liver, is 
under control of the White Sulphur. 



BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS- 79 



CHAPTER VII. 



BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



The Blue Sulphur Spring is situated in the county 
of Greenbrier, in a beautiful valley, through which 
flows a streamlet bearing the unclassical name of 
Muddy Creek. It is twenty-two miles, in nearly a 
western direction, from the White Sulphur, on the 
road to Guyandotte, and thirty-two miles north by 
east from the Red Sulphur, with which it is now 
connected by a fine turnpike road. 

The improvements consist of a brick hotel 180 
feet long and 50 feet wide, 100 feet of which is 
three stories, with a portico 12 feet w T ide the whole 
length. Attached to this building is another, two 
stories high, 90 by 32 feet; and adjoining this lat- 
ter is a two story building 150 by 17 feet, also hav- 
ing a two story piazza. The whole of these piazzas 
connect, making a continuous piazza of 420 feet. 
This range of buildings affords a dining-room ISO 
by 30 feet, two large receiving rooms, a ball and 
drawing-room, bar-room, counting-room, and a large 
number of very comfortable chambers, most of them 



80 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

having fire-places. At the north end of the hotel 
are several brick cottages containing two and three 
rooms each, for families. At the southern end of 
the main range of buildings, and running at right 
angles, are several frame cabins with comfortable 
apartments for families, and running down the lawn, 
and interfering very much with its beauty, is also a 
long range of cabins. I think the establishment can 
comfortably accommodate 250 persons. 

The Spring rises in the centre of the vale, and is 
covered by a well-designed but badly-executed. 
Temple. The fountain, enclosed in marble slabs, 
is five feet in diameter, and one of the most beauti- 
ful objects imaginable. The sides are covered with 
a brilliant pink deposit, and the clear, cool, crystal- 
line water seems to say, " Come and drink me." 
It flows off in a large stream, and is conveyed by 
pipes to Dr. Martin's baths. The temperature of 
this water is about 53 degrees. 

Dr. Martin, a Frenchman, has erected a bathing 
establishment at this place. His arrangements are 
quite extensive and well contrived, and enable him 
to give plain or medicated baths of any temperature. 

The following are given as the ingredients in the 
water, but as no quantities are annexed, the infor- 
mation is of little value. 



BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS- SI 



Solid Ingredients* 

Sulphate of lime, 

Sulphate of magnesia, 

Sulphate of soda, 

Carbonate of lime, 

Carbonate of magnesia, 

Chloride of magnesium, 

Chloride of sodium, 

Chloride of calcium, 

Hydro-sulphate of sodium and magnesia, 

Oxide of iron, existing as proto-sulphate, 

Iodine, 

Sulphur, 

Organic matters* 

Gaseous Ingredients. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, 
Carbonic acid, 
Oxygen, 
Nitrogen. 

It appears, however, that the catalogue is almost 
identical with that of the White Sulphur, as indeed 
may be expected from the similarity of the geologi- 
cal strata. 

Its specific gravity is probably greater than that 

4* 



82 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

of the White, and being also a very cold water, the 
stomach is sometimes oppressed by large draughts 
of it. I have already, in my general remarks, inti- 
mated my opinion as to the quantity of a mineral 
water that should be drunk at a time ; certainly it 
should not exceed half-a-pint, and one-third would 
be better in many cases. Half an hour, at least, 
should intervene between the draughts, and the in- 
terval, when practicable, should be employed taking 
suitable exercise, except in disease of the heart, in 
which repose is essential, and to which this water 
is certainty not adapted. 

There are very few data to guide us in estimating 
the actual operation of this water in the diseases for 
which recourse is usually had to sulphur waters. 
It is very likely, judging from analogy, that it may 
be used with advantage in most of the diseases in 
which the White and Salt Sulphurs are indicated. 

In my remarks on the Thermal Waters will be 
found many considerations that are also applicable 
to Vapor Baths ; and while I assent to all that may 
be said in favor of the latter, under judicious pre- 
scription and management, yet I must say that all 
artificial preparations of steam require even more 
caution than the natural thermal waters, or the va- 
pors arising from them, and that two things are 
actually necessary to their success — the capacity of 
the practitioner for accurate diagnosis, and discretion 
and judgment in their application. If empirically 



BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS. S3 

prescribed, they may do much and irremediable 
mischief. It is to be presumed, however, that the 
gentleman who has had so many years experience 
in their application is fully competent to conduct his 
patients to a happy termination of their maladies. 

I have heard, while on a visit to the Blue Sulphur, 
of numerous cases of cure in a vast class of ailments. 
How many were sent to the Ely sian fields, I am not 
able to say, for dead men tell no tales. That I have 
no fears of this last result in my own case, may be 
inferred from my intention of placing myself under 
charge of the learned gentleman next summer, if I 
fail to soften the rigidity of my muscles at the Ther- 
mal Springs. If the Doctor cures me, I shall buy a 
gold pen to indite his praises. 

A special virtue is claimed for this water in the 
relief of chlorotic females. There may be some 
ground for this, as from the qualitative analysis it 
appears to contain iron, but I have no personal 
knowledge of the fact, and therefore give the state- 
ment as founded on report. 

It would be doing great injustice to omit favor- 
able mention of the comforts and style of living at 
this place. It is admirably kept by Mr. George W. 
Buster, one of the stockholders of the company. 
The female department seems to deserve a special 
notice, for all its duties are performed with great 
neatness and kindness by the estimable lady who 
for several years has had its superintendence. 



84 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

I can say without hesitation, that the attention and 
comforts and the agreeable society to be met with 
here deserve the notice of spring-goers, even were 
there not to be found here one of the most beautiful 
fountains in the world. 

This fountain well a rivulet might name, 
Cooler and purer than a Thracian stream ; 
Useful to ease an aching head it flows, 
Or when with burning pain the stomach glows. 

[Francis's Horace. 

Dr. John A. Hunter has for several years been 
resident physician at the Blue Sulphur, and as a 
gentleman and intelligent medical practitioner, is en- 
titled to the highest confidence. In him the visiter 
will find a safe adviser, in any case that may 
require the aid of a physician. 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 85 



CHAPTER VIIL 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



The Red Sulphur Springs are situated in Monroe 
county, 42 miles from the White Sulphur, 39 miles 
from the Sweet Springs, 32 miles from the Blue 
Sulphur, and 17 miles from the Salt Sulphur. 

The improvements consist of the hotel, 180 feet 
by 42, two stories, containing dining-room, draw- 
ing-rooms, bar and store-rooms, &c, with a double 
piazza, the whole length ; Alabama Row, 300 feet 
long, with a piazza the whole length, and a neat two 
story building at the end ; Philadelphia Row, 200 
feet long, with a piazza ; Bachelor's Row, 104 feet 
long; Carolina House, 112 feet long and two sto- 
ries high. Between the two last ranges is a house 
for the reception of visiters on their arrival. There 
is a continuous piazza from the extreme end of 
Philadelphia Row to that of Carolina House, 471 
feet in length. 

Above Bachelor's Row, on a terrace, is Society 
Hall, 80 by 42 feet, two stories and a basement, 
having a portico, supported by nine Ionic columns, 



86 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

25 feet high, and presenting a very imposing front 
from the valley. Besides these ranges, there are 
numerous cottages and offices, and at the entrance 
a mercantile establishment — but the structure most 
deserving of notice is the pavilion over the Springs. 

This beautiful edifice was erected in 1840, after 
a design of Mr. Strickland of Philadelphia. It is 
a dome 42 feet in diameter, supported by 12 Ionic 
columns. The height from the base to the entabla- 
ture is about 30 feet. The Springs rise 10 feet be- 
neath the natural level of the valley, and their 
depth being over 4 feet, you descend 5J feet by 
circular steps. The whole height from the level of 
the water to the top of the dome is about 50 feet. 
The Springs rise horizontally in two marble reser- 
voirs. They derive their name from a rich lake- 
color deposit, which is sometimes seen in large 
quantity on the sides of the fountains. Their wa- 
ters are conducted into a wooden reservoir in the 
centre, and thence by pipes to the bathing-house. 

I now lay before the reader an elaborate analysis, 
by Aug. A. Hayes, Esq., of Roxbury, Massachu- 
setts. It is impossible to read this paper without 
perceiving that it is the result of a zealous and pa- 
tient investigation by a man intimately conversant 
with the details of his profession. In some parti- 
culars, his results are different from those obtained 
by Professor Rogers ; in others they correspond 
very remarkably. The organic substance disco- 



RED SULPHUR ANALYSIS. 87 

vered in the water so abundantly, supposed by Mr. 
Rogers to be analogous with glairine, but called by 
Mr. Hayes sulphur compound, is believed by both to 
be probably an important cause of the peculiar 
agency of the water. There can be little doubt, I 
think, that this property of the water, its extraor- 
dinary freedom from saline and earthy impurities, 
the well-adjusted proportions of its several gases, 
and its low temperature, are the immediate causes 
of its remarkable virtues. 

■" Roxbury Laboratory, 17th Jan. 1842. 
"Dr. William Burke. 

" Dear Sir, 

" Through my friends, J. S. Cook, Esq., and 
Dr. H. J. Bowditch, I received specimens of the 
w^ater, red deposit and mud, from the Red Sulphur 
Springs in Virginia, for chemical analysis. It was 
with great interest that I engaged in the experi- 
ments, as very little was known of the chemical 
composition of this water, although its medicinal 
effects had rendered the watering-place a celebrated 
one. I have sent Mr. Cook an account of the re- 
sults obtained. Since my observations were com- 
municated, Mr. Cook has allowed me to peruse a 
copy of a letter from Professor Rogers, dated in 
May 1835, in which is contained a notice of a pe- 
culiar organic matter contained in the water. He 



88 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

has, therefore, anticipated my discovery by some 
years. I do not, however, consider this substance 
identical with baragene or glairine of the Warm 
Springs of Italy and France. It is, so far as I 
know, new and peculiar, and seems to be an azo- 
tised base combined with sulphur, and so combined 
as to neutralize the distinctive characters of sul- 
phur. The hydro-sulphuric acid gas (sulphurreted 
hydrogen) found in the water, is produced through 
the agency of this body ; either by its action on 
the sulphates present, or more probably the sub- 
stance itself disengages hydro-sulphuric acid, be- 
fore reaching the surface of the earth, abstracting 
oxygen from air already dissolved in the water. It 
is in favor of this view that less oxygen is present 
in this than in common water, the mixture of oxy- 
gen and nitrogen in river water often giving 38 per 
100 of oxygen. I have minutely examined the sa- 
line contents of the water, and the results sent you 
are those which have been checked by independent 
experiments. The almost entire absence of chlo- 
rine or muriatic acid is a singular fact. I examined 
every bottle for chlorine, and although in most of 
them traces were found, they were not constantly 
observed, and quite as likely to be derived from ac- 
cidental sources as from the water. The largest 
quantity found would have carried my decimals to 
four or five, and is wholly unimportant. The water 
gives, by tests, indications like those observed when 
chlorine is present, but the appearance is fallacious. 



RED SULPHUR ANALYSIS. S9 

" I have arranged the acids and basis according 
to the views of Murray and Berzelius, and experi- 
ments shew that in this case these views are cor- 
rect. The alkaline action of the water is due to 
the solution of the carbonate of magnesia in carbo- 
nic acid, (Murray's fluid magnesia*) and the pecu- 
liar substance distinctive of this water seems to be 
dissolved in this solution. 

u You will not fail to observe that the chemical 
history of the i sulphur compound' is incomplete. 
My principal object in addressing you at this time 
is to request you to furnish me with more of the 
* red deposit,' as a source of it. Professor Rogers 
supposed the sulphur was deposited and mixed 
with it. I believe no trace of uncombined sulphur 
can be found in it, in its fresh state ; and when I 
fermented it, hydro-sulphuric acid was the form it 
appeared in. I deem this a very important distinc- 
tion, id a medical point of view, and incline to the 
opinion, that all the sulphur in this compound is in a 
state fitted to he absorbed in the animal system, as no 
other known solution or powder of sulphur is, ex- 
cepting perhaps hydro-sulphuric acid. The opi- 
nion, that substances of delicately balanced affinities 
in their changes give rise to changes in other bodies, 
is gaining ground among the most learned physiolo- 
gists and chemists, and such a view of the effects 
of some of the constituents of mineral waters is 
perhaps a correct one. I exclude of course all those 



90 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

waters wherein one stable constituent of great ac- 
tivity gives character to the water, and include 
those which differ but little in saline constitution 
from well waters generalfy, but contain besides a 
substance in a state of passing from one form of 
matter to a new form and constitution of matter. 
These views would be more acceptable, if experi- 
ments had demonstrated their truth : for this we 
must wait. 

" Chemists are indebted to M. Liebig, for a clear 
exposition of the phenomena attending fermentation 
and decay. Many had doubtless entertained simi- 
lar opinions ; but for an explanation of some of the 
most recondite changes, resulting from chemical ac- 
tion, he was the first to propose the transfer of action 
from one changing body to another, which may be 
alone a stable substance. 

" The chemical history of the sulphur compound, 
shews that, like yeast, it has the power of inducing 
changes among the constituents of another body, 
like those it is itself undergoing. Healthy surfaces 
and tissues may resist its power, and the water in 
which it is dissolved may not produce any effect of 
disturbance on a healthy stomach. Waters contain- 
ing a minute portion of salt called hydriodate of pot- 
ash, may be used as an ordinary beverage, without 
any marked action ; but diseased organs and im- 
paired vital action allow of marked effects being 
produced by such waters. Experiments, made on 
larger quantities of the deposit of the Spring, de- 



RED SULPHUR ANALYSIS. 91 

monstrate the existence of phosphates in small quan- 
tity. The origin of this singular substance, which 
for past ages has been poured out from the strata, 
is a question of great interest. The quantity would 
indicate that the source of supply can only be the 
organic matter of rocks constituting an extensive 
formation. Its composition leads me to infer that 
we are drawing curative effects, as we do articles 
of beauty and luxury, from an older than the pre- 
sent state of creation. 

" The ' red deposit ' I inferred from chemical ob- 
servation to be exhibiting signs of vital action. Dr. 
Rogers had earlier made the observation from in- 
spection. In relation to some compounds referred 
to above, baragene and glairine, botanists have ar- 
ranged them as organized beings, in the species 
Tremulosa, and suppose the seeds to be brought 
by the water to a suitable place for germination : so 
much for the evidence obtained by the aid of lenses 
and eyes. On the other hand, it has been demon- 
strated by chemists, that the substance present in 
the water is not the substance which the botanists 
have named : lenses and eyes cannot see it ; it 
unites to other bodies and plays a certain part, can 
be separated, and retains its former properties. 
The circumstances under which substances of this 
kind are deposited seem to have been overlooked 
or misunderstood. In all cases the waters have 
been slightly changed in constitution, after leaving 
that point in their courses, below which deposition 



92 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

never takes place. Thus a water highly charged 
with carbonic acid, losing a part of this in contact 
with the atmosphere, will deposit so much of a body- 
held in solution in carbonic acid as was dissolved 
by that part which has passed off. It is always a 
very small part of the whole quantity which is de- 
posited ; the bulk goes forward with the water. 
Rocky strata change waters in this way, and when 
several kinds of stone are wetted by the same wa- 
ter, some produce this change, others do not. In 
the matter thus deposited, the seeds of organic mat- 
ter vegetate, often with surprising rapidity. I have 
seen the silicious shells of animalculae, after the 
death of these active little beings, fall to the bottom 
of a glass vessel, closely stoppered ; and within a 
week, a close, deep-green covering of moss has com- 
pletely invested and covered the remains. 

" In the Red Sulphur Spring, the red lichen seems 
to have found in the sulphur compound a congenial 
soil, for its ramifications extend throughout it. The 
black mud seems to have changed the sulphur com- 
pound, combining through it ferreous salts with the 
sulphur, and giving oxygen to the other constituents 
of the compound. I think you will observe that the 
marble slabs, pieces of wood, metal, &c, act differ- 
ently in producing or receiving deposition — sunlight 
and shade often cause different effects. 
" Respectfully, 

"AUG. A. HAYES." 



RED SULPHUR ANALYSIS. 93 

RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER, VIRGINIA. 

Analysis, 

This water is perfectly colorless and transparent; 
when agitated it has an agreeable, sparkling appear- 
ance. Its odor is that of hydro-sulphuric acid mixed 
with that from earth or clay, the latter being re- 
tained after the hydro- sulphuric acid is dissipated 
or destroyed. In taste it is hepatic and slightly bit- 
ter. By ebullition it does not immediately become 
turbid, gases escape, and when reduced in volume 
by evaporation, deposition takes place. 

The specific gravity of this water, compared with 
pure water at the same temperature, and pressure 
equal, is 100029. Subjected to the influence of che- 
mical re-agents, it presents the following charac- 
ters : 

With a solution of chromate of potash, the yel- 
low color becomes greenish j^ellow, 
" nitrate of mercuiy, a grayish brown pre- 
cipitate is formed. 
" acetate of lead, the first drops give a 
brown colored precipitate ; an addi- 
tional quantity, of a yellowish white 
precipitate. 
" bisulphate of copper, at first brown, suc- 
ceeded by a bulky greenish gray preci- 
pitate. 



94 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

With a solution of sulphate of silver, a brown suc- 
ceeded by a yellowish white and floc- 
culent precipitate. 
<k muriate of baryta, a white precipitate in- 
soluble in acids. 
" oxalate of ammonia, a white precipitate. 
" nitrate of silver and ammonia, white pre- 
cipitate, which becomes brown and pur- 
ple in sunlight. 
" nitrate of copper and ammonia, a pale 
bluish-green precipitate is formed ; after 
the first few drops of the re-agent have 
separated, a brown precipitate. 
" tincture of iodine, added to a large bulk 
of the water, containing starch dissolved 
in it, instantly gives a blue color to the 
starch. 
Indications above described afford evidence of 
hydro-sulphuric acid in the water, while the iodine 
solution shew T s that it exists in a relatively small 
proportion. A bottle of the water was mixed, at the 
moment of taking it from the spring, with a small 
quantity of oxide of bismuth, and closely sealed. 
After the agitation due to carriage, and rest for se- 
veral weeks, it was found that the particles of oxide 
of bismuth were rendered brown superficially, and 
no traces of hydro-sulphuric acid remained in the 
w T ater. The oxide contained carbonic acid, and 
less than one-third of a grain of the oxide had ab- 



RED SULPHUR ANALYSIS. 95 

sorbed and combined with all the hydro-sulphuric 
acid, contained in about fourteen thousand grains of 
the recently drawn water. By careful experiments, 
in which the hydro-sulphuric acid was measured by 
its action on iodine, and the latter weighed in silver 
compound, the bulk of the hydro-sulphuric acid was 
ascertained. 

Fifty thousand grains (about seven pints) of the 
water, from which the hydro-sulphuric acid had 
been removed, afforded by the usual processes 2698 
grain measures of gases, or one volume of gases 
from 18£ volumes of water. 

1000 parts of the mixed gases are made up of 
Carbonic acid gas, - 4.19 

Nitrogen gas, - - 4.77 

Oxygen gas, - - 1.04 

1.000 

The two latter gases form the bulk of our atmos- 
phere, in the proportion of 79 nitrogen to 21 oxy- 
gen — 474 of nitrogen requires 126 oxygen, while 
the analysis gives 1.04, shewing that oxygen is ab- 
stracted by the constituents of the water. All the 
well-corked bottles had rarefied atmosphere over 
the water, and when they were pierced, even at 32° 
F., air would enter. 

A well-sealed bottle, containing the hydro-sul- 
phuric acid gas in the water, afforded, for 50,000 
parts of water, 3,088 of mixed gases, or one volume 
of gases from less than 17 volumes of water, con- 
sisting of— 




96 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Carbonic acid gas, 
Nitrogen gas, 
Oxygen gas, 
Hydro-sulphuric acid gas, - 

Gaseous contents of a gallon, or 231 cubic inches 
of the Red Sulphur water: 

Carbonic acid, - - 5.750 

Nitrogen, - - 6.916 

Oxygen, - - 1.201 

Hydro-sulphuric acid, - 0.397 

— — 14.264 

In this analysis the proportion of oxygen gas to 
the nitrogen is still smaller — a result which accords 
with other observations made at the same time. 
The hydro-sulphuric acid gas is the most active of the 
gases found, w r hile the carbonic acid gas acts the 
part of an acid in rendering earthy salts soluble in 
the water. 

50,000 grains (about seven pints) of this water af- 
ford, by slow evaporation in the air at 200° F., a 
light yellowish brown matter, which, after it had been 
carefully dried, weighed 20- 1 A -o" grains. At the tem- 
perature of 240° F., this residue becomes changed, 
and suffers a loss of weight, being reduced to 17.55 
grs. 

This residue contains the saline part of the water, 
and is composed of — 



RED SULPHUR ANALYSIS. 97 

Silicious earthy matter, containing traces of 
oxide of iron and alumina, probably sus- 
pended merely, - - 0.70 

Sulphate of soda in a dry state, - 3.55 

which forms with the water 802 grs. 
(Glauber's salts.) 

Sulphate of lime, - 0.47 

Carbonate of lime, - 4.50 

dissolved in carbonic acid. 

Carbonate of magnesia, - - 4.13 

dissolved in carbonic acid, and forming the 
"Fluid magnesia." 

A peculiar substance, containing sulphur 

combined with organic matter, - 7.20 



20.55 



There are traces of chlorine, or muriatic acid, in 
some specimens, but at most only 0.13 of chloride 
of silver could be separated from 10,000 grs. of 
water. This substance is rarely absent from natu- 
ral waters which have penetrated the earth. 

The peculiar sulphur compound, which forms a 
part of the saline contents of this water, has never 
been described, if it has ever before been met with. 
While in the natural state, and out of contact with 
atmospheric air, it is dissolved in the water, and 
forms a permanent solution. Air, acids, and other 
agents, separate it from the water, in the form of a 
jell} r , arid alkaline carbonates, alkalies, water, and 
5 



98 MINERAL SPRINGS OP VIRGINIA. 

other agents re-dissolve it. It has no acid action on 
test fluids, but bears that character with bases, and 
forms compounds analogous to salts. In its decom- 
position ammonia is formed, and hydro-sulphuric 
acid is liberated ; or if heat be employed in the ex- 
periment, sulphur is separated. It combines with 
the oxide of silver, and forms a salt of a reddish 
purple color, in the form of aflocculent precipitate, 
which dissolves in pure water; with the oxide of 
lead, a yellowish white powder, and with the oxide 
of copper, a pale blue salt in fine powder. In these 
compounds it remains unaltered, and may be sepa- 
rated from them and transferred to other bases. 

Mixed with a small quantity of water, and ex- 
posed to the temperature of 80° F., it decomposes, 
and emits a most offensive odor of putrefying mat- 
ter, with hydro-sulphuric acid gas. It is to this 
property that the hydro-sulphuric acid in the water 
is due, and to the oxidation of a part of this com- 
pound most of the sulphuric acid found in the water 
may be referred. 

I have endeavored to ascertain how its elements 
are arranged, but so small a quantity has been se- 
parated, that I could not ensure the purity of any 
salt formed with it. 1 1V0 grs. gave with oxide of 
copper 3-iVo grs. of a dry, bluish-green compound. 

With specimens of water, I received a small 
quantity of " red deposit," which invests the sur- 
faces of the marble slabs forming the basin of the 



RED SULPHUR ANALYSIS. 99 

Spring. It had become changed, although the cork 
was tightly sealed. When opened for examination, 
a soft, clay-colored mass, composed of films having 
a greasy appearance, mixed with some filamentous 
parts, was found. The odor it exhaled was insup- 
portable ; it blackened metals, and when agitated 
with water, rendered it viscid. With a solution of 
carbonate of soda it formed a froth}^ solution, which 
while cold had the appearance of a solution of 
soap, and when heated disengaged some ammo- 
niacal vapors, and formed a solution of all excepting 
some earthy and filamentous parts. 

This substance contains the same compound of 
sulphur and organic matter as that found dissolved 
in the water of the Spring. I separated from the 
water the peculiar matter it contains in the form of 
films, and compared these with those obtained from 
a soda solution of the altered " red deposit," by the 
aid of re-agents, and they proved identical. From 
examination of this altered matter, I have formed 
the conclusion, that the red color of the matter 
which covers the slabs is that of moss or lichen, 
which finds its habitation in the viscid covering pro- 
duced by the deposition of the sulphur compound. 

My early attempts to illustrate this point failed. 
The substance separated from the water by uniting 
it to oxide of copper, and afterwards destroying the 
union by hydro-sulphuric acid, would become, after 
a few days, covered with vegetation of mosses, un- 



100 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

like those described as occurring at the Spring. I 
was led to the conclusion that the spores or seeds 
of the peculiar " red moss" did not exist in the at- 
mosphere of this place, and must be found in the 
products of warmer climates. After several trials, I 
succeeded, by treating rice with a hot dilute solution 
of carbonate of soda, in obtaining a red-colored 
moss vegetation, which could be transferred to the 
decomposing compound on which it flourished. In 
its union with oxide of copper, no tendency to the 
production of vegetation was observed, under the 
most favorable circumstances ; but when, after se- 
paration, decomposition and decay had progressed, 
vegetation appeared. I need not ask, if a substance 
possessing vitality can be combined with oxide of 
copper and afterwards eliminated by hydro-sulph. 
acid, and retain its vital powers. 

A small specimen of the mud and slime, which 
appears where the water from the Spring flows, was 
received. It was a black, tenacious mud, exhaling 
an odor of hydro-sulphuric acid, mixed with that of 
earth. The color is due to the sulphuret of iron, 
formed by the action of the hydro-sulphuric acid on 
the ferruginous matters contained in the soil, which 
is a product of a further decomposition of the sul- 
phur compound contained in the water. It forms 
brown-colored solutions and imperfect salts ; its 
sulphur element is retained ; in other respects, it 
resembles the brown extracts from soils, or the hu- 
mus and apocrenic acids of Berzelius. 



RED SULPHUR ANALYSIS, 101 

Having studied the chemical characters of the sul- 
phur compound imperfectly, I give only those re- 
actions in the following description, which will serve 
to shew its want of identity with any of the various 
substances which have been found in thermal wa- 
ters and in some European hepatic waters. 

Chemical Character of the Sulphur Compound. 

I. When separated from a solution by evapora- 
tion, or by drying from a gelatinous state, it forms 
greasy films, which do not darken solutions of lead 
or copper. 

II. In pure water they slowly dissolve, and the 
solution gives salts of the compound, with the bases. 

III. Solution of carbonate of soda dissolves them, 
and a fluid results which froths by agitation. 

IV. In caustic solutions of alkalies, the films dis- 
solve and the solutions are slightly yellow-colored. 
These solutions have the peculiar odor of soap-leys. 
They do not blacken metals nor color metallic so- 
lutions. Acids decompose the solutions, and the 
sulphur compound separates in the form of a bulky 
jelly generally ; some oxyacids giving flocks. 

V. Nitric acid dissolves the films, and the salts of 
baryta and lead do not indicate the presence of sul- 
phuric acid. On heating the acid solution, a yellow 
matter separates, which resembles that produced by 



102 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

acting on azotized bodies by this agent ; sulphuric 
acid is thus produced, and the yellow precipitate 
requires a large proportion of nitric acid for its com- 
plete oxidation. The result of this action is an acid 
which gives a deep yellow color, with ammonia in 
excess. 

VI. Chlorine in muriatic acid separates from the 
sulphur compound some white flakes, which are fi- 
nally oxidized, and a colorless solution formed, in 
which sulphuric acid exists. 

VII. Alcohol did not dissolve the compound. 

Chemical experiments do not shew the medici- 
nal properties of the substances operated upon. 
But when a substance, the result of delicately ba- 
lanced affinities, gives in its decomposition an agent 
of powerful action on the animal system, we may 
conclude that it is an active ingredient, if found in 
a water possessed of high curative powers. 

I am disposed, therefore, to consider the sulphur 
compound in this water as the principal medicinal 
agent contained in it, although its action in combi- 
nation with the other constituents may be neces- 
sary to produce the effects for which this water is 
so justly celebrated. 

The following results give in one view the com- 
position of this water. 

Gaseous contents of a gallon or 231 cubic inches 
of the Red Sulphur Spring water : 



RED SULPHTJlt ANALYSIS. 103 

Carbonic acid, - - 5.750 

Nitrogen, - 6.916 

Oxygen, - ^ - 1.201 

Hydro-sulphuric acid, - 0.397 



14.264 



50,000 grains (nearly seven pints) of this water 
contain, dissolved as gases, (grain measure,) 
Carbonic acid, - - 1245 

Nitrogen, - 1497 

Oxygen* - - - 260 

Hydro-sulphuric acid, - 86 



3088 



yrain measures of gases. 
50,000 grains of this water afford, of 



Silicious and earthy matter, 


0.70 


Sulphate of soda, 


- 


3.55 


Sulphate of lime, 


- 


0.47 


Carbonate of lime, 


- 


4.50 


Carbonate of magnesia, 


- 


4.13 


Sulphur compound, 


- 


7.20 


Carbonic acid, 


- 


2.71 



23.26 

Note.— The carbonic acid which is given with 
the saline matter, being all which the water con- 
tains, includes that which is given off as gas by 
ebullition. 

AUGUSTUS A. HAYES. 

Roxbury Laboratory, Jan. 14, 1842. 



104 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Here we have not only results, but the whole 
process by which they were obtained. There is no 
mystification, but at every step of the experiment 
the reader is instructed and interested. We would 
especially invite his attention to the curious sub- 
stance in which Mr. Hayes supposes the virtue of 
the water mainly to consist. 

On this head he makes the following important 
remark: "I believe no trace of uncombined sul- 
phur can be found in it in its fresh state, and when 
I fermented it, hydro-sulphuric acid was the form 
it appeared in. I deem this a very important dis- 
tinction, in a medical point of view, and incline to 
the opinion, that all the sulphur in this compound 
is in a state fitted to be absorbed into the animal 
system, as no other known solution or powder 
of sulphur is, excepting perhaps hydro-sulphuric 
acid." 

The introduction of this bland substance in a 
fluid state into the system must exert a great influ- 
ence on the circulation, and consequently on the 
mucous surfaces that are in a morbid condition ; 
and when we consider that the greater portion of 
the fluids taken into the stomach is directly conveyed 
into the circulation by the absorbents, we can at 
once perceive that the great hygeinic power of this 
water is dependent on the characteristics enume- 
rated, all of which combined act as a singular alte- 
rative in equalizing an excited circulation, in cor- 



RED SULPHUR— ANALYSIS. 105 

reeling the highly acrid and vitiated secretions of 
an irritated mucous membrane, by modifying the 
fluid that supplies the matter for that secretion ; and 
that by sending to the heart and lungs also a diluted 
instead of a highly concentrated supply of blood, 
it calms those organs, by producing in the latter a 
condition favorable to the proper performance of 
their functions of oxygenation, and by soothing the 
irritation of the former, causing it to send forth 
its stream with a milder impetus, and, moreover, 
by diffusing more equally the capillary circulation, 
and in return obtaining not only a more moderate, 
but a more healthy supply. 

Suppose that an irritated, feverish condition of 
the mucous membrane, or the bronchi, or the ali- 
mentary canal exist when this water is taken into 
the stomach ; it is refrigerant, bland, pure, yet 
abounding in subtle and invisible power ; what is 
its probable mode of action ? Why, reasoning from 
analogy, w r e must conclude that its first impression 
is on the nervous expansion with which it comes in 
contact ; this sends the pleasurable sensation to. the 
brain ; this urges into activity the absorbents ; these 
convey the tranquilizing influence to the circulation J 
and this influence is again returned to the modifica- 
tion of the irritated surfaces. The external capilla- 
ry circulation is restored to its rightful balance ; the 
skin and the kidneys perform their appropriate 
functions ; in a word, the normal condition is re* 
5* 



106 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

stored, and all is smooth and calm as the unruffled 
ocean. 

But if, on the contrary, a hard, harsh water, load- 
ed with saline ingredients, comes in contact with a 
surface in the condition supposed, what may rea- 
sonably be expected? Why, evidently that the 
nerves will be distressed, the circulation still further 
depraved, the heart excited to unnatural action, the 
irritated surface still further engorged, the arterial 
action increased, respiration hurried, and all the 
functions of the external and internal organs abnor- 
mally performed. 

" Through pervious earth the filtered surges pass, 
Rise in sweet springs and lave the freshened grass ; 
While their smooth seeds an easy passage find, 
Lodged in the pores, the rough are left behind. M 

The process of filtration described by Lucretius 
gives us a good idea of that effected by the organs 
of secretion of the human system. 

It will readily be seen, then, in chronic affections 
of the organs of respiration and of the abnormal 
viscera, if these affections amount to irritation or 
subacute inflammation, that the Red Sulphur alone 
of the sulphur waters is admissible. 

The diseases in which the Red Sulphur has been 
most available are : Chronic laryngitis, chronic 
bronchitis, haemoptysis, chronic phthisis, functional 
disease of the heart, hypertrophy of the heart, mu- 



RED SULPHUR ANALYSIS. 107 

cous diarrhoea, irritability of the nerves, producing 
sleeplessness, irritation of the kidneys and bladder, 
lithic acid gravel, chronic hepatitis, amenorrhoea, 
dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, chronic splenitis, chro- 
nic gastritis, haemorrhoids, scrofula, chronic exan- 
themata of the skin. 

This water being manifestly narcotic, is contra- 
indicated in plethora, apoplexy, epilepsy, chorea, 
vertigo, and all diseases indicating too great a ten- 
dency of blood to the brain. In the acute stages of 
disease, it is decidedly injurious. In the course of 
my practice in the neighborhood, it was used in 
some cases as ordinary drinking water, in the first 
stages of pleurisy and pneumonia, and in bilious 
fever, but with invariable aggravation of the symp- 
toms. After the inflammatory stage was subdued, 
and in incipient convalescence, I found it exceed- 
ingly valuable in invigorating the constitution. 



103 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



CHAPTER IX. 



PHTHISIS. 



Acute, or " galloping consumption, 5 ' as it is fre- 
quently called, usually runs its course in from two 
to nine months, and is wholly unmanageable ; and 
when it fastens on its unhappy victim, there is no 
alternative but to submit to the decree of that great 
Being in whose hands are the issues of life and 
death. It is usually the effect of hereditary taint, 
roused into morbid action by imperfect nutrition, 
bad air, exposure, disappointed affection, reverse of 
fortune, fevers, uterine derangements, and various 
other causes. It is one before which the system 
falls prostrate, and in which we can do nothing but 
smooth, as we may by kind and delicate attentions, 
the passage of our friend to a brighter and better 
existence. But the chronic form of this disease is 
happily more under the control of remedies. 

As in all diseases there are different grades of 
intensity, so in tubercular consumption there are 
grades- — 1st. Of predisposition ; 2d. of tubercular 
infiltration or deposition ; 3d. of development ; 4th. 



PHTHISIS. 109 

of ulceration ; 5th. of marasmus ; and lastly, there 
are grades of the power of resistance in different 
constitutions. This being the case, it is manifest 
the chances for recovery, perfect or partial, or of a 
fatal result, are in proportion to such grades. All 
modern writers agree that cases of recovery are 
frequent from slight attacks in the latter or suppu- 
rative stage. 

The great Laennec makes the following remarks : 
" But while I admit the incurability of consumption 
in the early stages, I am convinced, from a great 
number of facts, that in some rare cases the disease 
is curable in the latter stages, that is, after the soft- 
ening of the tubercles and the formation of an ul- 
cerous excavation." Again : " I have at present 
under my care patients affected with chronic ca- 
tarrh, and who afford distinctly the sign of pecto- 
riloquism, although they have in no other respect any 
symptom of consumption. I have met with several 
other cases wherein this phenomenon was observ- 
able along with a slight habitual cough, very little 
expectoration, and scarcely any marked alteration 
in the general health. 

" In a lady, formerly a patient of Mr. Bayle, eight 
years since, and whose case was decidedly con- 
sumption, (as appears from Mr. Bayle's notes in her 
possession,) the sign of pectoriloquism is most dis- 
tinct. This lady recovered beyond all expectation ; 
she is now stout, and the only symptom that she has, 



110 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

at all referable to the kings, is a slight cough. I 
have no doubt the cartilaginous excavations exist in 
this person's lungs." 

M. Laennec then gives several cases illustrative 
of what he has advanced, from which it appears 
fully that recovery is not only not impossible, but 
not unfrequent. Again : " I have often observed 
the above state of things without knowing to what 
to attribute it, and without attaching much impor- 
tance to the appearance ; but after I was convinced of 
the possibility of cure in the case of ulcerations of the 
lungs, I began to fancy that nature might have more 
ways than one of accomplishing this end, and that, 
in certain cases, the excavations, after the discharge 
of their contents by expectoration or absorption, 
might cicatrize in the same manner as solutions of 
continuity in other organs, without the previous for- 
mation of the demi-cartilaginous membrane, 

"In consequence of this idea, I examined these 
productions more closely, and came to the conclu- 
sion, that in every case they might be considered 
as cicatrices, and that in many cases they could 
hardly be conceived to be anything else." Again : 
" In tracing the bronchial tubes near these masses, 
I have observed that such as held a direction to- 
wards them were commonly dilated. In some 
cases I have been able to trace them, as also blood- 
vessels, into the fibro-cartilaginous mass, with which, 
although obliterated, they formed but one substance. 



PHTHISIS. Ill 

This fact seems to me to leave no doubt of the na- 
ture of these productions, and of the possibility of 
cicatrization in ulcers of the lungs" 

These observations are followed bv two remark- 
able cases, which my limits forbid me from quoting, 
and the author continues his remarks as follows : 

" The foregoing observations prove, I think, that 
tubercles in the lungs are not in every case a neces- 
sary and inevitable cause of death ; and that a cure 
may take place in two different ways, after the for- 
mation of an ulcerous excavation : first, by the ca- 
vity becoming invested by a new membrane ; and 
secondly, by the obliteration of the excavation by 
means of a cicatrix, more or less complete, consist- 
ing of cellular, fibrous, or cartilaginous substance." 
Again : " When we consider that the formation of 
tubercles in the lungs seems to be the consequence 
of a general diathesis ; that these are frequently 
formed contemporaneously in the intestines, where 
they ultimately occasion ulceration and colliquative 
diarrhoea; and that in some cases also, they exist 
in the lymphatic glands, the prostate, the muscles, 
bones, &c, we must be led to believe that the most 
perfect cure that can take place in consumption is 
merely temporary. 

" Admitting, however, the justness of this conclu- 
sion, in those extreme cases of tubercular diathesis, {which 
after all are but rare, when compared with the vast num- 
ber of consumptions,) we are still entitled to hope for 



112 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

the cure of many cases of phthisis, or, at least, for 
such a suspension of their symptoms as may be 
deemed almost equal to a cure, since the individuals 
may enjoy such a state of health as may enable 
them to fulfil all the duties of civil life for years, 
or until such time as a fresh development of tuber- 
cles, at present immature, produces a fresh and 
final seizure." 

Dr. Williams, in his dissertation on pulmonary 
consumption, says : " Tuberculous consumption is 
in its ordinary career a chronic disease ; but the 
cases that particularly deserve this title are those in 
which the disease lasts for years. Bayle and Laen- 
nec record instances in which patients appear to 
have had the disease thirty or forty years. But it 
is not to be supposed that in chronic cases the dis- 
ease is always progressive. It owes its long dura- 
tion to its limited extent; and although the lungs are 
never free from some of the lesions described as 
characteristic of phthisis, yet the continuance of the 
disease is chiefly marked by many successive at- 
tacks and recoveries, dependent on particular de- 
velopments of new tubercles, and their successive 
changes and elimination. As the rapid form of the 
disease occurs chiefly in young subjects, so this in 
most instances is met with at or after middle age ; 
but it is by no means confined to any period of life. 

" It is this chronic or limited form of tubercular 
disease that affords the best chance for the remedial 



PHTHISIS. 113 

powers of nature and art ; and there can be but lit- 
tle doubt that a considerable number of cases are 
cured." 

On this paragraph the American editor, Dr. W. 
W. Gerhard, adds the following note : 

" There is no doubt many such cases recover ; 
cicatrices or calcareous tubercles remain often in 
healthy persons." 

And, again, Dr. G. in his work on "Diseases of 
the Chest," makes the following remarks : " Phthi- 
sis is therefore strictly a curable disease, notwith- 
standing that in the majority of cases it terminates 
fatally at an earlier or later period. This arises not 
so much from the effects of the first crop of tuber- 
cles as from the successive deposits of new ones in 
different parts of the lung, and indeed of the whole 
body, or rather from the accompanying fever and 
irritation. Hence a patient rarely dies of one at- 
tack of phthisis, except it be of a very acute form." 

The question may now be fairly raised, allowing 
the curability of consumption under the most favor- 
able circumstances, have cases thus marked and 
identified by an unmistakeable diagnosis been re- 
lieved at the Red Sulphur ? I answer, without he- 
sitation, that they have. 

Since the advances in diagnosis by means of per- 
cussion and auscultation, I have examined numerous 
patients for signs of tubercular deposition and le- 
sion, whom I met at the Red Sulphur, and several 



114 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

whom I sent thither; and although I do not claim 
any great skill in these methods of exploring the in- 
ternal organs, I satisfied myself that there was a tu- 
berculous condition, and I was nevertheless grati- 
fied by seeing many such cases receive prompt and 
decided relief. I trust, however, it will not be in- 
ferred that I am disposed to hold forth delusive 
hopes to any poor invalid who may place reliance 
on my opinion. I seek not to deceive a human be- 
ing in this matter. I candidly acknowledge that 
there are annually many persons presenting them- 
selves at the Red Sulphur, that are not and cannot 
be benefitted, and whom, if I could have seen them 
before they left the comforts of home, and the kind 
attentions of friends, I would have advised against 
the journey ; — but again, I do say, that if there be 
hope left, it is in the water of the Red Sulphur. 

I agree altogether with the opinion of Laennec, 
that it is in the suppurative stage alone that a cure 
may be looked for. When the tubercle is ripe, and 
in a condition to find its way into the bronchus, then 
is the period for the action of the Red Sulphur. It 
allays the general febrile condition of the system, 
without impairing the quality of the nutritive fluid, 
distributes the latter more equally amongst the dif- 
ferent tissues and organs, and not only places the 
lungs in the best condition to shake off the existing 
disease, but also prevents the deposition of other 
tubercles. 



PHTHISIS. 115 

If, while the tuberculous ulcer is discharging, the 
condition of the blood can be improved, so as no 
longer to form a degraded deposit, and the general 
powers of the system invigorated ; if, moreover, we 
can find a remedy that will reduce the hurried 
action of the heart and arteries, without having 
recourse to depletion; that will calm the system, 
whilst it imparts tone and energy to it ; that will re- 
store to the kidneys their true share in the excre- 
tions, and prevent extenuation of the body by colli- 
quative perspiration; then we may hope that we 
have found an agent that will enable the vital 
powers to resist and shake off the existing disease, 
and in a great degree remove the tendency to de- 
generation. Such an agent, in my opinion, is the Red 
Sulphur. 

The great principle upon which the Red Sulphur 
acts is the sedative principle. From whatever ele- 
ments this principle has been imparted to it, it is 
manifest that it is the great lever by which it ope- 
rates. 

The letter which I subjoin was written by Dr. 
Scott of Lexington, Kentucky. The reader will 
perceive that it bears the impress of truth, and was 
written for no other object than to do justice to the 
water, and to bene6t the community. 



116 mineral springs of virginia. 

" Red Sulphur Springs, Va., 
Sept. 1841. 
" Dear Sir, 

" I arrived at the Red Sulphur on the 
23d or 24th of last month, with but little faith in the 
efficacy of the waters, yet was determined to give 
them a fair trial, divesting myself as much as pos- 
sible of preconceived opinions and impressions de- 
rived from many reports for and against their me- 
dicinal qualities. First day, drank nine half pint 
tumblers of water in the course of the day, at dif- 
ferent periods, and as it is usually directed to be 
drunk. Second day, twelve, and third day sixteen 
tumblers full, which last number I continued to take 
five more successive days. First and second days, 
they (the waters) operated profusely as a diuretic ; 
third day, very delightfully also on my skin as a di- 
aphoretic, preserving my bowels in a healthy state ; 
on the fifth day, had copious bilious evacuations, as 
much as I ever experienced from an active portion 
of calomel. 

" At the commencement, and for three months 
previous, my pulse had been not less than 100 and 
110 distinct pulsations in every minute, that is 100 
beats in the morning, and 110 in the afternoon and 
evening, attended with occasional cough and hae- 
morrhage from the lungs. Using the Red Sulphur 
waters as above stated, my pulse was gradually 



PHTHISIS DR. HTTNTT's CASE. 117 

lessened in strength and quickness on the third day 
to 70 beats in the morning, and 80 and 84 in the 
evening, at which it (the pulse) continued regularly, 
without variation of a single pulsation, during the 
five more days I remained with you. I used the 
waters eight successive days only, and I do assure 
you, sir, that my health has not been at any time in 
the last two years so perfectly good and free from 
all uncomfortable feelings. 

" My statements cannot be of any advantage 
amongst strangers to me, but I humbly hope they 
will be relied on by my friends and acquaintances 
in the West and Northwest, where I have been known 
extensively as a practitioner of medicine for near forty 
years. 

" I am, dear sir, 

" Very respectfully yours, 

"JOSEPH SCOTT." 

The following is the case of Dr. Henry Huntt, 
who wrote a pamphlet on the Red Sulphur waters.* 

In March 1837, I was attacked with a slight 
haemorrhage from the lungs, attended with other 
symptoms, indicating a diseased state of those im- 
portant organs. For a time I neglected to resort to 
medical treatment, and continued to pursue my pro- 



* A Visit to the Red Sulphur Springs of Virginia during the summer of 1837, 
with Observations on the Waters. By Henry Huntt, M. D. 



118 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

fessional labors until warned by my failing strength 
that the disease was gaining ground. By applica- 
tion of the usual remedies, the violence of the symp- 
toms was soon subdued, and in a short time I felt 
myself sufficiently restored to resume my usual la- 
bors ; but with the exercise my wonted strength 
did not return ; the cough continued, with occasional 
pain in the chest, and an uneasy sensation of fulness 
about the liver, stomach and spleen. These symp- 
toms, after a time, were attended with increased 
cough, copious morbid expectoration, hectic chills, 
fever, and night sweats; my weight was reduced 
from 135 to 115 pounds. 

Such was my situation when, about the middle 
of July, I left home for the Red Sulphur Spring in 
Virginia. On the third evening I arrived at the 
Warm Spring, a distance of 230 miles from Wash- 
ington, and immediately after getting out of the 
stage, I plunged into the delightful bath of that 
place — an imprudence against which I would ear- 
nestly caution all invalids who arrive after a long 
journey with the system exhausted by fatigue. The 
consequences in my own case warrant me in pro- 
nouncing it to be fraught with great danger. While 
in the bath, its effects were very grateful and plea- 
sant ; but shortly after leaving it, I became chilly, 
and this feeling was followed by a hot skin, intense 
headach, and pain in the chest. 

After breakfast the next morning, though still 



PHTHISIS DR. HUNTT'S CASE. 119 

very unwell, I continued my journey, and arrived 
before night at the White Sulphur Spring, where I 
remained two days, drinking freely of the water, 
which seemed only to increase the cough and pain 
in the chest, and produce an aggravation of all the 
other symptoms. Leaving this place on the third 
morning, I passed Union at noon, dined at the Salt 
Sulphur, and before sunset arrived at this celebrated 
fountain, for the benefit of whose waters I had left 
home. 

On the evening of my arrival at the Spring I 
commenced the use of the water. The next day, 
during a violent paroxysm of coughing, a coagulum 
of blood was discharged from the lungs, which was 
followed by considerable haemorrhage. After this, 
the cough became less troublesome, but the evening 
exacerbations of fever and the night sweats con- 
tinued, my pulse beating 115 strokes to the minute. 
I confined myself to a low diet, and drank six 
glasses of the water during the day, namely, two 
before breakfast, one at 11, A. M., one at 5, P. M., 
and two at bedtime. The water acted freely on 
the bowels, and particularly on the secretions of the 
liver. In ten days, the abdominal viscera were en- 
tirely relieved, the pulse reduced to 78, and the 
fever and night sweats had ceased. The quantity 
of water was now increased to twelve glasses du- 
ring the day, taken at the same hours, but in double 
doses. It acted very gently on the bowels and skin, 



120 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

but most powerfully as a diuretic. Thus it appears 
that in small quantities the water acted freely on 
the bowels, and but little on the kidneys ; while in 
larger quantities it acted freely on the latter, and 
scarcely affected the former. In fact, I could direct 
its action to the one or the other at pleasure, by in- 
creasing or diminishing the quantity. My cough 
became better, but my strength still continued fee- 
ble, owing to my extremely low diet, and the copi- 
ous action of the water. Unfortunately I took but 
little exercise, which I deem all-important while 
using the waters. 

After a residence of three weeks at the Spring, 
and the constant use of the water during that time, 
to the manifest alleviation of the most pressing 
symptoms of my complaint, I was unexpectedly 
called home, in consequence of the illness of a 
member of my family. In the commencement of 
my homeward journey, my weak state compelled 
me to make very short stages ; but as soon as I had 
crossed the mountains, and resumed my usual mode 
of diet, my appetite and strength returned rapidly, 
and I completed the distance of 30S miles in five 
days, without feeling the slightest inconvenience. 
The water seemed to produce its good effects in the 
improvement of my health for months after I had 
left the Spring. 

It is not uncommon for persons to arrive at the 
Spring, who have not been able to sleep during the 



PHTHISIS DR. HUNTT'S CASE. 121 

night, even with the aid of opium, who, after drink- 
ing the water for a few days, find their nervous ir- 
ritation so soothed and allayed that no other ano- 
dyne is required to procure them full repose for the 
night. This fact is so striking, that a young lady of 
this place, in writing to her father from the Red Sul- 
phur, facetiously styles it " Sleepy Hollow." 

The soporific effect of the water was most for- 
cibly exemplified in the case of Mr. C. Smith of 
Georgetown, D. C, a gentleman of the highest re- 
spectability, who had been for some time laboring 
under chronic laryngitis, and had not enjoyed sleep 
for months, even with the aid of large doses of mor- 
phia. He arrived at the Red Sulphur a few days 
after myself, and immediately commenced a free 
use of the w r ater. The third day after his arrival, 
he slept soundly all night, without either coughing 
or turning in bed, and not only continued to sleep 
well every night, but was compelled, from the 
drowsy feeling which it produced, to indulge him- 
self in more than one nap during the day. 

In a letter dated some years ago at this Spring, 
from the late F. W. Gilmer, Esq., professor of law 
in the University of Virginia, he says : " These wa- 
ters are far superior to all others. In a few hours 
they allayed my cough so as to take away all that 
was unpleasant in it. The} T diffuse a sense of cool- 
ness, freshness, and newer life over the whole sys- 
tem. They abate the pulse most rapidly, remove 
6 



122 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

fever, lubricate and soften whatever is hard and 
dry, make one sleep as though he had taken an 
anodyne, are the safest of all waters, and, indeed, 
have no ill quality." 

The late venerable Dr. R. H. Bradford of Virgi- 
nia, who practised medicine for many years at the 
Red Sulphur, in a communication on the subject of 
the water, remarks: " The effect of this water in 
reducing the frequency of the pulse, is one of the 
numerous, singular and powerful properties belong- 
ing to it. It lessens arterial action to such a de- 
gree, that it seldom fails to remove fever, difficulty 
of breathing, and pain in the chest. When the 
patient is restricted to a proper regimen, this wa- 
ter may be taken with greater advantage in pulmo- 
nary cases than any other remedy I have ever seen 
employed for that purpose. It is also an important 
remedy in enlarged liver arid spleen, and in dis- 
eases of the mucous membrane generally." 

The Rev. W. M. Green of Hillsboro', North Ca- 
rolina, makes the following communication, dated 
October 15th, 1837 : "Having heard much of the 
efficacy of the Red Sulphur water, I determined to 
try it. Accordingly, leaving home early in July, 
I reached that place about the 10th, confining my- 
self closely to the use of the water, and of the sul- 
phur shower-bath for nine weeks. I had not been 
at the Spring more than two days before I began 
to experience a favorable influence on my system 



PHTHISIS DR. HUNTT. 123 

generally, as well as an amelioration of some of the 
principal symptoms of my complaint. My pulse 
soon felt the wonder-working power of that myste- 
rious, tempest-stilling agent which resides in those 
waters. Arterial action was greatly reduced, the 
nervous system composed, the cough brought down 
to a mere fractional part of its former proportions, 
digestion improved, sleep restored, urine rendered 
colorless, the stricture across the breast less op- 
pressive, night sweats lessened ; in a word, every 
painful and dangerous feature of the disease was 
moderated, and time allowed to shake off the enemy. 

" The two most striking effects produced by the 
use of this water were, the evident reduction of ar- 
terial action, at the same time that the general sys- 
tem was recovering its tone, and the total extin- 
guishment of that burning thirst which had been 
tormenting me for more than twelve months. I 
hesitate not to state here, what may appear incredi- 
ble to many, that for nearly six months after I re- 
turned home, 1 felt no symptom of thirst, whereas, 
before my going to the Spring, scarcely fifteen mi- 
nutes would elapse during the day between my 
calls for water. This latter effect was still more 
strikingly experienced in the case of the Rev. Mr. 
H ## t of Halifax county, Va., who assured me, af- 
ter visiting the Spring a single season, he remained 
a stranger to thirst. 

" As to the effect on my pulse, although it was 



124 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

decidedly marked and beneficial, yet there were 
other cases coming under my own observation of 
still more striking character. One I distinctly re- 
member, that of a Mr. Boal, a young Irishman, re- 
siding in Lynchburg, Va. He came to the Spring 
by the advice of his physicians, who saw in him 
the well-known symptoms of pulmonary disease. 
On his arrival, the average stroke of his pulse was 
from 110 to 120 in a minute. In three days, without 
the aid of any other means than a free use of the 
water, it was reduced to the healthful beat of 65 
strokes in a minute. The case of Mrs. B #### r of 
Raleigh, is no less remarkable ; such was the effect 
of the water on her arterial system, that a single 
glass was known to reduce the pulse 10 beats in a 
minute. 

" My usual habit was to drink three or four 
glasses of the water before breakfast, three at 11 
or 12 o'clock, two about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, 
and two on going to bed. I am convinced that 
what was taken late at night, and very early in the 
morning, was more efficacious than all the rest taken 
during the day. My exercise consisted in a ride of 
three miles before breakfast on horseback, another 
about sunset in my carriage, and in the interval an 
occasional game at the shuffle-board — a game, 
though not very refined, unquestionably admirably 
adapted to exercise a weak chest. 

" It may be well to mention here, that on my re- 



PHTHISIS DR. HUNTT. 125 

turn home my appearance was so little improved, 
as to produce an impression among my friends that 
my trip had been without benefit. Nor was the 
improvement which really had been produced, per- 
ceived in its extent, even by myself, until I had 
been at home a week or two. I mention this for 
the encouragement of other invalids, who return 
home dejected and hopeless, because they do not 
experience the immediate good effects of this and 
other sulphur waters. The effect is, in many cases, 
felt after the fatigue of the journey is over, and the 
noisy bustle of the w 7 atering-place forgotten amidst 
the comfort and quiet of home. I will only add, 
that after my return, I was enabled occasionally to 
occupy my pulpit, and to enjoy the society of my 
friends. 

" The next season I sought the mountains again, 
finding my pulmonary symptoms removed. A third 
visit, two years after the second, served to remove 
every unpleasant symptom, and put the blessing of 
health once more in my reach. At this moment, 
the only remnant of my disease, which all my 
friends, and nearly all my physicians, pronounced 
phthisis pulmonalis, is an appetite which often needs 
the bridle of just moderation. 

" To Him who preserved me be all honor and praise." 

Mr. James Boal of Lynchburg, who lost two 
brothers by pulmonary consumption, in a commu- 



126 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

nication dated Red Sulphur, August 5th, 1837, 
states: " A change of life, from being an active far- 
mer to that of a sedentary store-keeper, produced 
constipation and general debility, (especially in my 
arms and knees,) a dry, tickling sensation in the 
throat, slight cough, and but little expectoration. 
The tightness increased, until riding a refractory 
horse, I had an attack of haemorrhage. The dis- 
charge at first was pretty copious, of a scarlet, 
frothy appearance, moderating to a mixture of 
bloody phlegm. My nights were passed with but 
little sleep, and that disturbed by troublesome 
dreams. In the month of June 1828, had an at- 
tack of diarrhoea, and was very much reduced. 

"About the 1st of July 1828, I visited the Red 
Sulphur Spring. My pulse on my arrival (w T hen 
free from excitement) was about 120 pulsations in 
a minute. Commenced drinking the water, and in 
one week my pulse was reduced to 65 strokes in a 
minute, with an improvement in my strength and 
feelings generally. Supposing my cure effected, I 
omitted the use of the water for a few days, and 
found my pulse increasing in frequency. I again 
used it three weeks longer, when my pulse was re- 
duced to its former standard of 65 strokes in a 
minute. My course of diet — for breakfast, dried 
toast and boiled milk, or black tea; for dinner, a 
little venison or mutton, rice, or cold wheat bread; 
for supper, cold rye mush and milk, always guard- 



PHTHISIS — -DR. HUNTT. 127 

ing against rich sauces or pastry : took exercise in 
the open air. My plan was, to drink freely, say 
six or eight glasses of the water before breakfast, 
keeping in constant motion. The general operation 
of the water was that of a diuretic, and by taking 
exercise perspiration was very copious. My bowels 
were regular, once a day, and have continued so 
(except from casual indisposition) ever since. 

"I visited the Red Sulphur in the summer of 
1S29, and had my general health so completely re- 
stored, that I am now here, in August 1837, on a 
visit to my old friend and benefactor, in perfect 
health." 

The following communication is from Chief Jus- 
tice Taney, of the Supreme Court U. S., dated 
Baltimore, January 8th, 1838 : 

" The information you have received as to the 
benefit derived from the Red Sulphur Spring by 
Mrs. Taney and myself, is correct. We spent six 
weeks or more there, in the summer of 1835, and 
both of us were in bad health when we went there. 
The journey, however, was taken on Mrs. Taney's 
account, and by the advice of Dr. Potter and Dr. 
Buckler. Her health had been failing for several 
years, and her lungs supposed to be seriously 
threatened. She complained of a pain in the breast, 
coughed a good deal, and had an excited and quick 
pulse. The alarming symptoms were entirely re- 
moved by her visit to the Red Sulphur, and she has 
since enjoyed her ordinary health. 



128 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

" It is proper, perhaps, to remark, that although 
Mrs. Taney felt in some degree the benefit of the 
water while she remained at the Spring, yet we 
were not sensible of the extent of the improvement 
until some time after our return home. Both of us 
have since had much better health than we had 
known for years before, and we both have great 
confidence in the efficacy of those waters." 



TREATMENT. 129 



CHAPTER X. 



TREATMENT. 



Having now, I think, conclusively proved, not 
only that tubercular consumption is not incurable, 
but that the Red Sulphur water affords the best 
chances for cure or relief, I feel it incumbent upon 
me to make a few observations on the treatment of 
that disease. 

I have always been of the opinion, that too much 
practice has been the great error of the profession 
in their attempt to counteract its progress. Gentle- 
men of the Sangrado family seem to think that 
while there is an ounce of blood in the body they 
must continue to cup, and leech, and phlebotomize 
their unfortunate patient, when, in fact, it is for want 
of blood, and from the defective quality of what he 
has, that his life is ebbing away to its kindred earth, 
as the tide returns to the bosom of the ocean. I dc 
not say this is so in all cases, but I maintain, that 
the vast majority of cases of tubercular consump- 
tion are dependent on constitutional debility, and that, 
if j^ou imprudently add to this condition by untime- 
6* 



130 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

ly depletion, you at once prostrate those vital pow- 
ers, which otherwise might have made some struggle 
against the enemy. 

Do I then deny the utility of depletion altogether ? 
By no means. If there be a congested state of the 
blood vessels, or any other indication absolutely de- 
manding blood-letting, it should not be delayed. I 
am not arguing against a cautious and judicious de- 
pletion, but I protest against the practice of some 
physicians in sticking their lancet, upon all and eve- 
ry occasion, into their unfortunate patients. 

The attention should first be directed to the 
cause of the patient's condition, and to the removal 
or modification of that cause. Nature, having a 
horror of dissolution, struggles to maintain herself 
against the foe : a feather thrown into the balance 
for or against her, may decide her fate. Oh ! what 
a responsibility rests upon him who undertakes to 
correct her aberrations, and lead her back to the 
way she should go. It is not to be denied that tu- 
berculous or calculous deposits in the lungs produce 
inflammation, and that sometimes it is so serious as 
to demand locally depleting remedies ; but here we 
should stop, else we throw open the gates that other- 
wise may have opposed some resistance, however 
feeble, to the assailant. It is agreed by all, that in 
early stages of chronic consumption a change to the 
country air is proper. Now, it is evident, if any lo- 
cation combines all the advantages of a good climate 



PHTHISIS TREATMENT. 131 

with an agent whose power in this disease has been 
ascertained, it affords all the chances which a change 
of residence can offer. 

In the early part of this work, I took the occasion 
to give my own experience of the climate of the 
mountains of Virginia ; and I here repeat, it cannot 
be surpassed, from the 1st of June to the 15th of 
November. In some cases of asthma it is unsuited, 
on account of its elevation ; but, sheltered as it is 
from the northeasterly winds of our seaboard, it 
scarcely feels the equinoctial tempests, and the air 
is always pure, balmy, and invigorating. 

I have already given rpy views of the species of 
diet which generally suits those who use mineral 
Waters. At this Spring there can be no doubt that 
an act of imprudence may be more detrimental than 
at any other. Itself a sedative, if, under its use, 
the invalid gorges himself with a stimulating diet, it 
is disturbed in its operations, and, from being origi- 
nally a sedative, may, by abuse, be converted into a 
stimulant. In the first stage, mild farinaceous diet 
is that pointed out by nature ; in the latter stages 
more nutriment, and sometimes even a stimulant, is 
admissible. 

The use of the Red Sulphur water, as I have re- 
commended it, under the best circumstances of ju- 
dicious management, suitable exercise, prudence in 
diet, and a residence during the winter in a mild 
climate, may, under Providence, restore many inte- 
resting persons to usefulness and their friends. 



132 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

While some have been sceptical as to the value 
of the Red Sulphur water in tubercular consump- 
tion, others seem desirous to make the impression 
that it is good for nothing else. 

Now, I think I have already demonstrated, not 
only that it is valuable in consumption, but that, 
acting on the human system not as a specific, but on 
great general principles, it is equally available in 
all cases of sub-acute inflammation and irritable 
condition of the system, whether produced by mor- 
bid function or organic lesion of some organ. That 
man, therefore, who acknowledges its value in dis- 
eases of the chest, and refuses his confidence in kin- 
dred diseases, can have but a faint idea of the nice 
physiological relations of the human body, of the 
pathological changes and complications induced by 
abnormal function, or of the influences exerted by 
remedial agents in restoring the balances that had 
more or less varied from the healthy standard. I 
shall conclude my notice of this water by taking a 
cursory view of the more important diseases to 
which it is applicable, and shall then leave its re- 
putation to the great arbiter of all such questions — 
public opinio?! . 

Chronic laryngitis may range from simple inflam- 
mation to ulceration of the mucous membrane, car- 
tilages, and vocal ligaments, and even to the de- 
struction of these parts. It sometimes attends tu- 
bercular disease of the lungs, and sometimes the 



CHRONIC LARYNGITIS. 133 

larynx itself is the original seat of deposition of tu- 
bercles. The prognosis is of course dependent on 
the mildness or intensity of the disease, and on the 
constitutional ability to resist its progress. The Red 
Sulphur will be found a powerful auxiliary in this 
disease. I have witnessed many most interesting 
recoveries by the use of this water in apparently 
very bad cases. 

It seems, from the following interesting extract 
from MM. Trosseau and Beloc, the distinguished 
authors of a prize essay on Laryngeal Phthisis, &c, 
before the Royal Academy of France, that the wa- 
ters of Bonnes and Cauterets, in the Pyrenees, are 
also celebrated for the cure of this disease : 

"Sulphur; Sulphurous Mineral Waters. — Many 
physicians, chiefly those who have embraced the 
opinions of the new French school, consider as al- 
most fabulous the cases of cure reported by Borden 
and many others, effected by the waters of Bonnes 
and Cauterets. But they who have studied the ef- 
fects of the Pyrenean waters upon the spot, they 
who have often sent to them their patients, evidently 
attacked with pulmonary tubercles, will acknow- 
ledge the admirable cures which have been annu- 
ally effected by this powerful means. Therefore 
we should never neglect the use of Sulphurous 
Mineral Waters, whether natural or artificial, in 
the treatment of various forms of laryngeal phthisis. 
Although secondary, they may, unaided, effect a 




134 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

cure in the early stages of disease. We select the 
following case from a host of others : 

" Mr. D., captain of artillery, thirty-four years 
old, was born of tubercular parents. His voice is 
rather grave, and not very strong, except in the 
high notes. He attended balls and soirees, and 
was much in the world for three months, when he 
perceived that his voice was hoarse, and complete 
aphonia soon followed. There was no expectora- 
tion or pain in the larynx, and the general health 
continued excellent, only he was greatly fatigued 
by the severe efforts that were necessary to make 
himself understood. There was nothing to induce 
a suspicion of disease in his lungs ; he had never 
had hsemoptysis, catarrh, or angina. He used as a 
gargle one ounce of alum to a pound of water, for 
a fortnight, without amendment. Milk diet was 
then prescribed, with some advantage ; to this was 
added one bottle of Bonnes waters per day. This 
soon effected an improvement, and a complete cure 
at the end of two months.'' 

We see from the foregoing extract, that scepti- 
cism is not confined to the physicians of this coun- 
try ; it is indeed the natural result of medical re- 
search and experience, for no man can appreciate 
the difficulties of a science so well as he who has 
encountered them. But while on the one hand, 
the physician should be slow to believe, on the 
other, he should not lapse into incredulit}'. To hirn 



CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. 135 

may be applied with propriety, the general maxim 
so elegantly expressed by the Latin poet : 

Est modus in rebus ; sunt certi denique fines, 
Q,uos ultra citraque nequit consistere rectum. 

I have myself lived long enough to have observed 
that valuable hints may be gathered from haunts of 
ignorance. Utility is not only the mother of justice 
and equity, but also and more especially of inven- 
tion, I doubt not many " old women" in the interior 
of our country have cured diseases, by some simple 
infusion or decoction, that would have resisted all 
the science of the faculty. Had man continued to 
live in his original simplicity, the trade of the drug- 
gist would not be so profitable as it is at this time. 
I firmly believe that the Almighty has sent no dis- 
ease to afflict his creatures, for the cure of which 
he has not appointed some remedy, subject, how- 
ever, to that immutable law which has allotted to 
man a certain amount of vital power which he can- 
not exceed, but which he may be deprived of by 
some disturbing force from without, or by the mis- 
application of agents intended as remedial. 

Chronic Bronchitis. — The expectoration sometimes 
precisely similar to that of the latter stage of the 
acute, but most commonly less glutinous, more 
opaque and nearly puriform. Occasionally it is of 
a dirty-grayish or greenish hue, from an admixture 
of the black pulmonary matter. It is usually ino- 



136 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

dorous, but sometimes becomes more or less fetid, 
and assumes the smell as well as the other physical 
qualities of the different kinds of pus. This dis- 
ease frequently follows acute bronchitis, and is liable 
to persist with remission for years. 

During the remission, the appetite and strength 
return ; but the patient commonly loses a little 
flesh, and remains paler than usual. During repose 
there is no oppression on the chest, but exercise 
soon brings on dyspnoea. The complaint remits in 
the summer, and returns in the winter, frequently 
attended with fever. In some rare cases, hectic fe- 
ver comes on with rapid emaciation, and the dis- 
ease terminates fatally, with all the usual symptoms 
of phthisis pulmonalis. In fact, the most perfect 
similarity exists between the two diseases, as far as 
regards the expectoration, the emaciation, and all 
the other general symptoms. 

Such are the characteristics of a disease which 
is becoming every year more prevalent in our va- 
riable climate, and which has assumed vast impor- 
tance, not only on account of its frequency, but also 
on account of the evils which a continued impedi- 
ment to respiration, may cause by producing con- 
gestion of the lungs and heart, and organic disease 
of the latter. This disease, when not the accom- 
paniment of pulmonary phthisis, is usually manage- 
able by proper treatment, and early removal to a 
mild climate. The waters of the Red Sulphur sel- 



CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. 137 

dom fail to relieve it, by removing the irritated con- 
dition of the membrane, and restoring a healthy se- 
cretion, and by imparting tone to the constitution. 
When this disease is attended with suffocating secre- 
tions, producing periodically great distress of respi- 
ration, much benefit will be derived, according to 
my own experience, in occasional emetics of ipe- 
cacuanha. 

Having directed no supper to be taken, cause the 
patient to drink from half a pint to a pint of warm 
water ; then give IS to 20 grains of ipecac. The 
effect is at once to clear the tubes of accumulated 
secretion, to relieve the dyspnoea and calm the sys- 
tem by procuring for it a good night's rest. This 
treatment, in many cases, may be repeated every 
48 hours with advantage. I have foBnd emetics 
used in this manner also valuable in many cases of 
tubercular disease of the lungs. Nothing prostrates 
the bodily powers more rapidly than the constant 
attempt to expectorate, and indeed the hectic fever 
and sweats are greatly aggravated by this cause. 

My advice to a person afflicted with bronchitis 
would be, to visit the Red Sulphur about the 15th 
of June, and use the water until the close of the 
Indian Summer t (say 1st to 15th of November,) 
and travelling thence southwards, on horseback if 
possible, spend the winter and spring in Cuba. 

Most invalids from the Northern States return 
too soon, and proceed directly home. Now, this is 



138 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

wrong ; they should land at the southern extremity 
of the Union, and advance homeward according to 
the natural progress of the season. It is evident 
that a sudden transition from the climate of Cuba 
to that of Massachusetts is imprudent, and if made 
before the summer fairly sets in, may be hazardous; 
whereas, there would be little danger in arriving in 
New Orleans in April, and thence travelling north- 
ward so as to find somewhat the same temperature 
in one's progress* 

Hypertrophy of the Heart.— From my remarks on 
indigestion in a former chapter, it will be readily 
seen what a vast influence is exerted over that or- 
gan by the stomach and lungs, both by the quality 
of the blood, as produced by a healthy or vitiated 
chyle, or by a perfect or imperfect oxygenation de- 
pendent on the function of respiration. 

And, moreover, I think the reader can be at no 
loss to comprehend the modus operandi of the Red 
Sulphur in restoring the functions of this organ to a 
normal condition. The most conclusive evidence 
of its power in functional diseases of the heart may 
be adduced in several cases, in which the action of 
the arteries and heart has been reduced in fre- 
quency from 30 to 40 pulsations in a minute. Is 
there any other agent known to science that will do 
this? I humbly conceive there is not; and, there- 
fore, I venture to promise patients affected with 
functional disease of the heart, the best results from 
a judicious use of this water. 



GRAVEL. 139 

The Kidneys and Bladder. — I shall touch upon the 
disease of these organs, from which relief may be 
expected at the Mineral Waters of Virginia. All 
sulphur waters claim to be beneficial in gravel, and 
I think they are so in a greater or less degree. 

The form of disease in which they are most use- 
ful is lithic-acid gravel. " Sand (civiale) is understood 
to be a powdery deposit, which takes sometimes the 
form of a very fine powder, and sometimes, or more 
frequently, of grains caused by the agglomeration 
of little c^stals, which are easily distinguished with 
the lens, or that are sometimes perceptible to the 
naked eye. This deposit is most frequently of a 
bright red color, though, in certain cases, it resem- 
bles that of brick-dust, or is gray, ash-colored, 
black or dusky." 

" Gravel (says Dr. Christison) may be defined the 
discharge of pulverulent or gritty matter with the 
urine, occasioning symptoms of irritation in the kid- 
neys and urethra." 

The most frequent cause of gravel is indigestion, 
especially that species of it attended by acidity. 
When the fluid, overcharged with acid, is presented 
to the kidneys, it is secreted in excess ; the lithate 
of ammonia is decomposed, and the acid precipi- 
tated. Another and very extensive cause of gravel 
is hard water. Of this fact I can speak experimen- 
tal^. When riding through the mountainous re- 
gion of the Alleghan}^, and using the water in most 



140 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

districts of that region, I never have escaped with 
impunity, and I have uniformly suffered from using 
the strong limestone water of a village in that coun- 
try. It is on this account that in this form of the 
disease, (lithic-acid gravel,) I should doubt whether 
the Sweet Springs may be used with safety, abound- 
ing as it does with calcareous matter. The White 
Sulphur, Blue Sulphur, and Salt Sulphur would be 
more likely to suit the invalid, more especially the 
last, as it is certainly more anti-acid than the others ; 
but they have all to contend with the hard, harsh 
quality imparted by the sulphate and carbonate of 
lime ; and therefore, if there should be an irritated 
condition of the kidneys, which is almost certain 
to be the case in a greater or less degree, the use of 
the Red Sulphur alternately with the spout bath at 
the Hot Springs, will be the most efficient treat- 
ment. 

I have already intimated that a little bicarbonate 
of soda may be used with advantage, in connection 
with the sulphur waters. Candor requires me, how- 
ever, to confess that relief from this complaint must 
necessarily be temporary, from any remedy but a 
strict regimen, and abstinence from whatever may 
have produced the predisposition. Irritation of the 
bladder, when produced only by functional dis- 
turbance, or excitable nervous temperament, will be 
relieved by the waters of the Red Sulphur. 

Uterus. — In a work which is intended for the eye 



DISEASES OF THE UTERUS. 141 

of the general reader, it will only be necessary to 
touch lightly on the diseases of this organ. Those 
which may be considered under the remedial pow- 
ers of mineral waters are amenorrhea, or obstructed 
menstruation, dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, 
and Menorrhagia, or excessive menstruation. 

Amenorrhea is of two kinds ; one dependent on 
constitutional debility, and the other attended by 
the appearance of good health. 

In the former, according to Drs. Ferguson and 
Simpson, the symptoms are, languid circulation, 
muscular debility, torpor, or inequalities of the ner- 
vous function and defective nutrition. When allowed 
to proceed uninterruptedly, amenorrhoea terminates 
in chlorosis. In this condition of the system, that 
mineral water will be the most useful which will 
arouse its torpid energies. Presupposing there is 
no organic lesion, such as tuberculous condition of 
the lungs, the bath at the Sweet Springs will be 
found the greatest remedy in this disease ; but if it 
be complicated with diseased lungs or bronchi, then 
the invalid's hope is the Red Sulphur. In the form 
accompanied by plethora, Dr. Goode's spout-bath, 
under his advice, is the appropriate remedy. 

Dysmenorrhea. — In this form of disease, I recom- 
mend Dr. Goode's spout-bath as the best remedy 
known to me. In all cases, this remedy must be 
used under advice. The Red Sulphur, as a seda- 
tive, may, with great advantage, be alternated with 
the Hot Springs. 



142 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Menorrhagia. — It is clear that no agent that ex- 
cites the system is admissible in this disease. Fe- 
males laboring under this form of uterine affection 
will, therefore, find the Red Sulphur alone appro- 
priate, connected with a mild, unexciting regimen. 
I venture to say, that if the distinctions I have 
pointed out be observed, most of the cases of dis- 
eased uterine function attending the Virginia Springs 
will obtain relief, and that many a charming wo- 
man, whose hopes of fruitfulness have been blighted, 
will become a happy, thankful mother. 

Some distance up the branch is a little Spring, 
discovered in 1840, and which is now called Hicks' 
Spring — a gentleman by the name of Hicks, from 
Mecklenburg, having ascribed his cure from chronic 
diarrhoea to its use. The general character of the 
water is the same as that of the great Spring ; but 
it is weaker, and the temperature higher, by several 
degrees. It has this advantage, that it requires ex- 
ercise in going and returning ; but I would not re- 
commend to invalids to rely exclusively upon it. The 
stream is exceedingly feeble. 

The Red Sulphur is owned by the heirs of the 
late Andrew Beirne and James A. Dunlap. The 
place is under the superintendence of Mr. Alexan- 
der Dunlap. It is but justice to say that, so far as 
I have been informed from report as well as my own 
observation, the accommodations and attentions af- 
forded here have given general satisfaction. There 



RED SULPHUR. J 43 

were some murmurs last } r ear about the want of 
music, and the gaiety that usually attends its pre- 
sence, but Mr. D. gives assurances that the omis- 
sion will not hereafter recur. 

I would very respectfully call the attention of the 
proprietors to the fact, that they are permitting the 
grounds to become too much shaded. The valley 
is by nature deprived of some portion of sunshine, 
and it is therefore more necessary it should not be 
artificially obstructed. The trees in the lawn should 
be trimmed out, and the impending mountains again 
cleared. 

A large building, for mercantile purposes, has 
been erected within a }^ear, and thrown across the 
narrowest part of the neck of the valley, as if to 
stop its windjnpe. In a place claiming to improve 
the organs of respiration, it seems rather an unsci- 
entific operation to deprive the lungs of a due share 
of oxygen ; but it is onty another instance of the bad 
taste that has marred so many of those naturally 
beautiful watering-places. 

The turnpike road between the Red and Blue 
Sulphur is now completed. It is one of the best and 
most beautiful roads in the mountains, crossing the 
Greenbrier river at a very interesting spot. It is a 
drive of five or six hours, permitting the traveller to 
breakfast at one Spring and dine at the other. In 
the whole round of the Western Springs, there now 
remain nine miles to be turn piked, and these are 



144 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

the first nine miles from the Salt to the Red. The 
proprietors of both should unite and complete this 
link. 



The Red Sulphur Bear. 

The following composition appeared in the South- 
ern Literary Messenger for November 1850. It is 
from the pen of the late Francis S. Key, who, in 
the summer of 1838, was a visiter at the Red Sul- 
phur when the incident on which it is founded 
occurred. The version in the Messenger contains 
several errors, which it is but justice to correct, since 
the original manuscript is before me. It really was 
a most exciting and affecting scene, and one not to 
be forgotten by those who witnessed it. 

A few daj^s subsequent to the occurrence, the 
band had a concert, and this recitative and song, 
furnished by Mr. K., formed a part of the enter- 
tainment. It was recited and sung with admirable 
intonation and expression, by Benjamin Judah, who 
has frequently since repeated it with just applause. 

There was a Bear — alas, that we must bear 

The loss of such a bear ! He was the pet 

And playmate of the children, men and maids. 

The ladies, too, wept briny tears for him, 

Till all the Springs were salt — For much he loved 

To play his tricks before them, and to take 

From their fair hands the dainties they would bring, 



RED SULPHUR BEAR. 145 

And they would stroke his sable fur, and feel 

His velvet paws, and then he lick'd his paws. 

And paws so touched, he could have licked and lived 

Long on such licking. — But, alas ! he died. 

Now a bare bear-skin and some bare bear-bones 

Are all that's left of Bruin, — save at night 

When blaze the lights upon the mountain side, 

And music o'er the valley floats, and calls 

The bright-eyed maidens to the sprightly dance — 

Upon the glossy curls that shade the cheek 

And brow of beauty, Bruin's fat is there, 

Soft'ning and polishing the silken locks. 

Bruin! thy chops were savory — so said 

The chaps that did thereon their chops regale. 

The ladies ate thee not — they would not feed 

Upon a tam'd and educated bear. 

Nor me, could steak or cutlet, fried or broiled, 

Stew'd paw, or garnished head, tempt to that feast. 

For I had seen thy death — It was a death 

Unseemly for a bear — unworthy of thy race. 

But had'st thou died among thy native wilds, 

When hound and horse and horn had from thy lair 

Arous'd thee, and thou nobly stood'st at bay, 

And many a fierce foe howl'd his last 

Within thy perilous embrace, and gallant hunters 

Clos'd round thee slowly, marking thy dread glance, 

Admiring thy stern Gourage, giving death 

In honorable wounds,^ — then had'st thou died 

A death of glory, and had I been one 

Of that proud ring, I could have join'd the feast 

Won by fair chase and combat — eat thy steaks, 

And pick'd thy bones unscrupulous. — rAlas! 

Far other was thy death — a felon's death 

The cowards gave thee— threw around thy neci$ 

A noose, and thrice essay'd to drag thee back 

As a vile prisoner. 

7 



146 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Once, when escap'd, I mark'd 
His noble bearing, when his fierce pursuers 
Fled from his glance. He look'd upon the mountain, 
And then I hop'd to see him climb its top, 
And turn, and growl defiance. One there was, 
Of courage dauntless, in the crowd of foes, 
Casar* by name — Caesar by nature too. 
He calls to Bruin as he slow retires, 
In words of scorn andmeuace — Soon he turns — 
They meet— they close — more doubtful conflict never 
Did battle-field display. Well were they match'd ; 
Both brave, both black, and equal both in height; 
For Bruin boldly raised himself erect 
Upon his hinder limbs, and brandish'd high, 
And huge as giant's arms, his fierce fore-paws. 
Soon Caesar seiz'd, with dext'rous jerk, the rope 
Pendant from Bruin's neck — as soon the paws 
Of Bruin o'er the shoulders broad, and back 
Of Caesar, closed in deadly grip ; that hug 
There was no standing, and so Caesar tripp'd him. 
For Bruin, though he stood on two feet well, 
Had never practis'd one in his gymnastics. 
He falls! — Caesar above him — still the strife 
Is desperate. And, lo! now Bruin turns 
Upon him with a growl and fiercer grasp. 
Now, Caesar! ply thy rope — thy life depends 
Upon the hold it takes — thy foe's strong throat 
Must be compress'd that not a breath may pass. 
Thy ribs now almost touch, the heart scarce beats 
Between them—quivers, and must soon be still. 
One other little breath, one other strain 
Of those strong arms — and Caesar is no more. 
That other breath comes not — one desperate pull, 
And the rope clos'd the passage. See, he gasps — 
One last convulsive struggle ends the strife. 
Those mighty paws, now weak as baby's hands, 

* A cook at the Red Sulphur. 



RED SULPHUR BEAR. 147 

Caesar has thrown aside — His heart has room 

Again to beat — He rises conqueror. 

Such was the end of Bruin — yet before 

That fierce encounter, other means were tried 

To lure him back to bondage, — It was said, 

" Music had charms to soothe the savage beast," 

And that he often seem'd, when the full tones 

Of richest harmony flow'd from the lips 

Of his kind mistress, to drink in the sounds 

With rapture, like all other listeners. 

Music was therefore tried. — The band was call'd, 

And captivating were the strains they pour'd 

In Bruin's ears — but it was vain, for he 

Would not be captivated. Then they call'd 

Two of that band, with voices sweet as notes 

Of nightingale, of power to charm the ear 

Of every listener, and calm the heart 

With all the magic influence of song. 

They came, and breath'd in sweetest melody, 

A plaintive ditty to this angry bear, 

Beseeching him to lay aside his wrath, 

Resume his chain and live among his friends. 

He heard and heeded not— and when you hear 

The song that he received so sullenly, 

You'll wonder that the Bear was such a brute, 

And think he justly died. — The song ran thus— » 

O Bruin! O Bruin! come back to thy chain, 
Nor seek thy far home o'er the mountain again ; 
For the mother that bore thee will know thee no more, 
And thy brother cubs drive thee away from the door. 

Why would'st thou return where you nightly must howl 
In thy hunger, as through the dark forest you prowl; 
To fight the wild bees for their hoard of sweet food, 
Or spoil thy teeth cracking the nuts of the wood ? 

What a life thou hast led since thou haply wast caught, 
And here to this sweet little valley wast brought! 



148 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Its blest waters thy drink, its rich dainties thy fare, 
What more could be asked for man, woman or bear? 

It is true you are tied ; but, Bruin, you know 
It is all for your good that you are kept so. 
How many are here, who would gladly agree 
To be tied to a tree, could they fatten like thee ? 

We have tam'd you and fed you, and now you are here, 
Your polite education engages our care — 
Your manners are mended, some clever things taught, 
But greater attainments are still to be sought. 

Carusi* is here, and shall teach you to dance, 
How to enter the ball-room, and bow and advance 
To the ladies, who sit in a beautiful row, 
Each waiting to see if the Bear '11 be her beau. 

Then the waltzing — O Bruin! think only of that — 
That a lady's bare arms, with thy bear arms enwrapt ! 
Thy bear-skin her bare skin shall touch — O ! what Bear 
Can bear any pleasure with that to compare? 

O ! think of thy paws when thy dancing is done, 
When the summer is o'er, and the ladies are gone ; 
Through the long winter nights, when the snow-flakes fall thick, 
Thy lady-press'd paws will be luscious to lick. 

* A distinguished dancing-master, from Washington city — a visiter at the Red 
Sulphur. 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 149 



CHAPTER XL 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



The Salt Sulphur Springs are situated on Indian 
creek in Monroe county, 17 miles from the Red 
Sulphur, 33 from the Blue Sulphur, 25 from the 
White Sulphur, and 22 from the Sweet Springs. 

This interesting valley is of singular formation. 
Two hills on the north and northeast approach each 
other, leaving a narrow gorge between them, through 
which winds, in a gentle curve, Indian creek, until 
it reaches the base of another still higher and steeper 
hill on the northwest, by which it is turned in a 
southwestwardly direction. Some short distance 
below this neck the vale begins to spread out like 
the shell of a terrapin, and forms one of the pret- 
tiest coves imaginable, commanding a view of the 
graceful Peters' mountain rising into the southeast- 
ern horizon, at the distance of about eight miles, 
and Swope's mountain in the northwest, at the dis- 
tance of about two miles. The hills immediately 
bounding the valley are what the natives call knobs — 
an inelegant, but very appropriate designation. 



150 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

The space between these hills is at its northern 
extreme covered with numerous buildings, and the 
grounds extending along the stream are neatly and 
tastily improved, and are shaded by a great variety 
of the most beautiful indigenous trees and vines. 
The good sense of the proprietors — perceptible in 
this as in all their arrangements — has caused them 
to cut down the forests from the impending hills, 
and keep them in a state of cultivation ; and this it 
is that has given the location character for being 
drier than those of the neighboring Springs. 

God gave his bright sun to cheer, and gladden, 
and comfort, and invigorate, and where it does not 
penetrate, there can neither be health, beauty nor 
comfort. It is well enough to talk of the shade ; it 
is a subject of eulogy to the poets ; but man, heal- 
thy, vigorous, intellectual man, requires those warm- 
ing rays that seem like emanations from the God of 
Nature himself. There is no greater mistake than 
to overshade those watering-places. The sun's heat 
is oppressive only for a few hours every day, and a 
dozen fine trees, with the porticoes, afford shelter 
enough from its rays for this short period, whilst 
at eve, and early morning, it is essential for attract- 
ing the superfluous moisture from the investing at- 
mosphere. 

As you enter the beautiful lawn the hotel pre- 
sents itself with gable in front. Here is the bar- 
room, where gentlemen are received. This build- 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS, 151 

ing is of wood, is two stories high, and runs back 
some 200 feet, the dining-room on the first floor oc- 
cupying the w T hole length. There is a wing con- 
taining a private parlor and family apartments. On 
the second floor is a large ball-room and many 
chambers, that are very comfortable and alwa3 r s in 
demand. There is a double piazza the whole length 
of the building. At right angles with it are two com- 
fortable cabins, and a very neat and comfortable 
stone house, two stories, with double piazza, and 
containing several apartments. 

Along the slope of the hill there has been erected 
by the enterprising proprietors a stone edifice, three 
stories high above the basement, of more massive 
proportions than even the great building at the 
Sweet Springs. I think it is 210 feet long by 32 
feet wide on the inside. It has several passages 
running across the house, and from these ascend 
the stairways. There are, I think, 80 chambers, 
with a fire-place in each. On the first floor four of 
those chambers are united in one very spacious 
parlor, in which the inmates pay and receive visits, 
and congregate for social intercourse. There are 
three covered piazzas or galleries running the whole 
length of the building. This is the locality most in 
demand, and it is, indeed, exceedingly comfortable. 
Besides these improvements there are three long 
ranges of cabins, connected by piazzas, affording 
many comfortable rooms. The whole of the build- 



152 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

ings here ought to accommodate 350 visiters, and 
they would do so in the hands of others ; but the 
kind, indulgent disposition of Messrs. Erskine & 
Caruthers spoils their guests, and they seem to go 
here for elbow room. 

This is certainly one of the most delightful sum- 
mer retreats that can be met with anywhere. I 
spent there the greater part of last season, and I 
can testify, from personal observation and experi- 
ence, to the uniform kindness of the hosts, the ex- 
cellent, indeed sumptuous fare, the neatness and 
comfort of the bed-chambers, and the general good 
order pervading the whole establishment. If the 
visiter desires to have his appetite sharpened for 
fine, rich, cool milk and delicious butter, let him 
take a peep at the dairy and see the nice vessels 
with their contents standing in the clear cool lime- 
stone spring. Here he will get in its perfection a 
fine, juicy slice of sweet, tender mountain mutton, 
venison or beef, and poultry, eggs, and everything 
that abundant region affords. For breakfast he 
has fine bread, loaf and indian, and all sorts of 
cakes, hominy, &c. But I need not farther specify 
the good things to be met with here — the place has 
been famous for good living for the last thirty years. 

The South Carolinians, who understand comfort 
as well as perhaps any other people on this conti- 
nent, found out this place long ago, and they come 
to it every season in considerable numbers. 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 153 

There is no place in the mountains, where the 
society is more select, more charming, more intel- 
lectual, than it is at the Salt Sulphur. Gaiety and 
happiness seem to reside here, as it very rarely 
happens that it is rendered sombre by the presence 
of persons in very low health. There is a very 
neat and substantial church here, built of stone 
several years ago, by contribution of visiters. It is 
free to all denominations of Christians, and is fre- 
quently open during the summer season. This is a 
comfort which is usually and justly appreciated. 
There is a store here also, and several shops for 
mechanical purposes, which often prove a source 
of convenience to visiters. 

The Salt Sulphur is situated on the verge of one 
of the finest countries in Virginia. It would be dif- 
ficult to find anywhere a tract of country more fer- 
tile and valuable than that enclosed by the parallel 
ridges of Swopes' and Peters' mountains, and by 
lines drawn from one to the other, touching the 
Salt Sulphur at one extreme, and the Gap mills and 
Second creek at the other, being about 100 square 
miles. Without mentioning the other fine estates 
included in this region, those of the Beirnes and 
Capertons are conspicuous. Magnificent herds of 
fat cattle may be seen on their fields every summer, 
wallowing in luxuriant grass — an evidence of abun- 
dance that is agreeable to every eye. Two miles 

and a half from the Springs is the county town— 

7* 



154 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Union — a very pretty village, containing an acade- 
my, two or three churches, a courthouse, two ta- 
verns, and several well-supplied stores. 

The Mineral Springs are, first, the Salt Sulphur 
proper, about 150 yards down the lawn from the 
hotel across the creek, over which you pass by a 
wooden bridge. This Spring is enclosed in a square 
box of marble slabs, about 2J feet in diameter, and 
covered by a plain, circular temple. It is not a 
very bold stream, but affords, nevertheless, an abun- 
dance of water for all purposes required. It is a 
strong sulphur water, highly charged with saline in- 
gredients, as may be seen by the analysis. About 
100 yards below was discovered the New, or Iodine 
Spring, a few years ago, and immediately im- 
proved. It is enclosed like the former, and covered 
by a suitable building. It appears from the analy- 
sis of Mr. Rogers, that in some of its ingredients it 
is almost identical with the old spring, but contains 
the important additional ingredient of Iodine. 

Both of these waters, with that of the Sweet Sul- 
phur, a short distance up the creek, have been sent 
on to Baltimore for more minute anafysis, and if 
the results reach me before this work goes to press, 
they will be given in detail. Meantime, I refer the 
reader to the classification of Dr. Mutter, a distin- 
guished physician of Philadelphia, of the diseases 
in which he has known, from personal observation, 
those waters to be applicable. His high standing 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 155 

entitles his opinions to a degree of authority no in- 
dividual so humble as myself can possess. I there- 
fore yield to him the space I might otherwise occu- 
py on this part of the subject, and I do it with the 
greater pleasure because I agree with him in most 
of the virtues he ascribes to these waters. 

I must confess that, until last summer, I was 
sceptical as to the virtues ascribed to the Iodine 
Spring, at this place ; but I saw some well-marked 
cases of tuberculous and scrofulous diathesis in 
which its use seemed to be attended with advan- 
tage. The manner in which the presence of Iodine 
was enunciated was the difficulty with me — it being 
given as a trace. But whatever misunderstanding 
there may have been on this head, experience 
proves the water to produce medicinal effects simi- 
lar to those produced by hydriodate of potassa. 

To persons, therefore, who are of the scrofulous 
predisposition, as well as to patients affected by in- 
cipient goitre, or the various diseases of the skin, 
this water may be recommended with confidence. 

There are conveniences for bathing here that are 
quite comfortable. Baths of any temperature may 
be obtained at all hours. 



156 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA, 



CHAPTER XII. 

DISEASES TO WHICH THE SALT SULPHUR IS 
APPLICABLE.* 

The Salt Sulphur, like almost all the sulphurous 
waters, being a stimulant, should consequently not 
be employed in acute or highly inflammatory affec- 
tions, nor in those in which there exists much ac- 
tive determination of blood to the head, or at least 
not until this determination has been guarded 
against by previous diet, purgation, and if neces- 
sary, blood-letting. But in all chronic affections of 
the brain, stomach, bowels, liver, spleen, kidneys and 
bladder, it is one of the most valuable of our reme- 
dial agents. In diseases of the joints (gout and 
rheumatism) and skin, in mercurial sequela, in he- 
morrhoidal affections and in chronic diseases of the 
womb, it is also a remedy of immense importance. 

1. Of Chronic Diseases of the Brain. — In no class 
of diseases, probably, is there required more cau- 
tion in the exhibition of a mineral water, and espe- 
cially of one which, under ordinary circumstances, 

*Dr. Thomas D. Mutter. 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 157 

excites the system at large. Many persons on this 
account have prohibited its use ; but experience, 
the only sure guide, has shewn that many a case of 
chronic headach, incipient mania and local palsy, 
dependent on congestion or chronic inflammation of 
the brain, will yield to the steady use of a cathartic 
mineral water, when almost every other agent has 
failed. For such cases the Salt Sulphur seems pe- 
culiarly adapted ; but it must be used with caution, 
and assisted, if necessary, by local depletion, coun- 
ter-irritation and diet. 

2. Neuralgia. — It is well known to the profession, 
that neuralgic affections are often dependent upon 
a deranged condition of the chylopoetic viscera. 
The habitually costive, or those who have suffered 
from repeated attacks of miasmatic diseases, and 
the dyspeptic, are generally most liable to attacks 
of neuralgia. In such cases, I have known the 
Salt Sulphur prove highly beneficial. 

3. Nervous Diseases. — The various affections 
termed nervous, such as hypochondria, hysteria, 
catalepsy, chorea, &c, are also dependent upon dis- 
order of the digestive apparatus, and resist all our 
remedies for months and years. In such cases, a 
trip to a Mineral Spring is generally recommended, 
not so much for the waters, probably, as for the 
change of air, scene, mode of life, &c, which it 
entails. Making all due allowance for the bene- 
ficial action of the last named agents, I am confi- 



158 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

dent that the steady cathartic action of the water is 
of infinite benefit. Two cases of chorea, and one 
of hysteria, I saw completely relieved in the course 
of six weeks, by the use of the Salt Sulphur water. 

4. Chronic Diseases of the Chest. — -Diseases of the 
thoracic viscera are unfortunately too common in our 
country, and hence we find crowds of their unfortu- 
nate victims at nearly every watering-place, seek- 
ing, and too often but vainly, some relief from 
their distressing condition. In some cases, those, 
for example, in which the irritation is dependent 
upon the retrocession of some habitual discharge, 
and those, too, in which the skin is dry and cool, 
and the indication is to produce a revulsion to the 
surface, by directing fluids from the centre to the 
circumference, which will also facilitate expectora- 
tion, the cautious administration of the Salt Sul- 
phur water will be useful. 

In those cases, also, in which the cough is sym- 
pathetic, or dependent upon some lesion of the chy- 
lopoetic viscera, it may be employed ; but in every 
instance where it can be traced to an organic affec- 
tion of the heart or large blood-vessels, and if there 
be fever, emaciation, tubercles, with cavities in the 
lungs, haemoptysis, or diarrhoea, the death of the 
patient will be hastened by the employment of a 
stimulant so active as the Salt Sulphur. 

For pulmonary cases, the Salt Sulphur offers 
the advantage of an agreeable temperature and a 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 159 

dryness of atmosphere not possessed by the other 
Springs in the mountains of Virginia. During the 
season, which continues from the 1st of June to the 
middle of September, the thermometer ranges from 
70° to 85° Fahrenheit, and there is little or no fog 
in the morning. 

5. Chronic Diseases of the Abdominal Viscera. — In 
making an estimate of the cases of disease one 
meets with at a watering-place, it will not, I think, 
be going too far to say, that two-thirds at least are 
referable to some affection of the abdominal viscera. 
Hepatitis, jaundice, splenitis, gastritis, gastralgia, 
pyrosis, dyspepsia, enteritis, diarrhoea, &c, are en- 
countered at every turn. 

In Hepatic Affections, or those commonly called bi- 
lious, the Salt Sulphur water is, without doubt, one 
of the most powerful and efficient remedies we pos- 
sess. When taken in a proper manner, its sanative 
influence is speedily manifested by a change in the 
biliary secretion. Constipation, the usual attendant 
upon such cases, is relieved, the sallowness of the 
skin disappears, and in the course of a few weeks 
a complete and radical cure is often accomplished. 

Chronic Splenitis. — One of the most common, and 
at the same time one of the most obstinate of the 
sequelae of the fevers of the South, I have known 
frequently relieved by the use of this water, as well 
as by that of the White Sulphur. 

Chronic Gastric Irritation, it is well known, is of- 



160 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

ten relieved by the administration of an agent cal- 
culated to set up a new action in the mucous coat, 
and those cases of dyspepsia which depend upon 
such a condition of the stomach are often relieved 
by the use of a sulphur water. A number of such 
are annually met with at the Salt Sulphur, many of 
which leave the Spring perfectly cured. 

Gastralgia, or Nervous Dyspepsia, is also occa- 
sionally met with, and may depend upon a variety 
of causes. When it is purely a functional disease, 
unaccompanied by organic lesion, a sulphur water, 
along with sulphur baths, will sometimes produce a 
very happy effect. 

Pyrosis, or Water-brash, is another disease to 
which the Salt Sulphur proves pre-eminently useful. 
I have known cases in which a pint or more of se- 
cretion so acid as to set the teeth on edge, was 
daily thrown up, radically cured by the use of this 
water in the course of six or eight weeks. (Mr. F. 
of Princeton is an example of this.) 

When dyspepsia is known to be dependent upon 
scirrhus or cancer of the stomach, I would strenu- 
ously advise the patient to abstain from the use of 
the Salt Sulphur, and indeed from that of any 
mineral water. Mrs. C. of North Carolina was, I 
am convinced, destroyed by it. 

Chronic Irritation of the Bowels, giving rise to 
chronic diarrhoea or dysentery, upon the principle 
of a new action being set up, are frequently cured 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 161 

by the use of the Salt Sulphur. I wish this state- 
ment to be borne in mind, for it is usual to decry 
the use of the Salt Sulphur water in such cases ; 
but the experience of those who have paid attention 
to the subject will bear me out in the assertion. 
Mr. T. of Philadelphia, who for three years la- 
bored under chronic diarrhoea, and who was sup- 
posed to have ulceration of the mucous membrane 
of the bowels, was radically cured by a few weeks 
use of the water. 

Constipation. — Habitual costiveness is another af- 
fection for which the Salt Sulphur is an excellent 
remedy. 

Hemorrhoids. — The use of laxatives in piles is a 
treatment so long in use, that nothing need be said 
in its favor, but that sulphur water operates much 
more beneficially than any other agent, inasmuch 
as in nearly every case of chronic piles we find the 
liver more or less affected. This fact, first observed 
by Armstrong, is so universally admitted, that I 
shall not stop to say anything towards its further 
substantiation. 

6. Chronic Diseases of the Urinary Organs. — From 
the fact that nearly all mineral waters, either from 
the quantity usually taken, or from some peculiarity 
of their ingredients, prove diuretic, they have al- 
ways been favorable remedies in diseases of the 
urinary organs. Those which contain an excess of 



162 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

alkaline ingredients have, without doubt, proved 
remarkably serviceable in cases of acid calculous 
diathesis ; but it must be confessed that, as a general 
rule, and always where the stone is large, they 
prove but a doubtful remedy. In the incipient 
stages of a calculous disease, however, and those 
especially in which the formation of stone is de- 
pendent upon some disease of the digestive appa- 
ratus, the Salt Sulphur waters are often useful. 
When this water fails to accomplish the desired ob- 
ject, I have seen that of the Sweet Springs produc- 
tive of much good. 

Although this water may be considered as a 
somewhat doubtful remedy in calculous disease of 
any duration, it must be allowed to possess astonish- 
ing sanative properties in chronic irritation of the 
mucous membrane of the kidneys, bladder, prostate 
gland and urethra. Many cases of chronic nephritis, 
vesical catarrh, prostatic irritation and gleet, are 
annually cured by its employment. 

7. Chronic Diseases of the Genitals. — Like all sul- 
phur waters, those of the Salt Sulphur are often 
very useful in obstinate cases of general or local 
debility, the result of previous excessive indulgence. 
They are also remarkably beneficial in atonic leu- 
corrhoea, amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhcea ; but when 
either of these complaints is dependent upon local 
or general plethora, the use of the water must be 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 163 

preceded by depletion, either local or general, ac- 
cording to circumstances. 

8. Chronic Rheumatism and Gout. — The diseases 
most frequently met with after those of the diges- 
tive organs, at our different watering-places, are 
rheumatism and gout. In all such the alterative 
influence of a sulphur water is invariably, I believe, 
more or less useful ; but to receive full benefit from 
its use, the warm or hot mineral bath should be re- 
sorted to, and the diet, clothing and exercise pro- 
perly regulated. With many others, I cheerfully 
acknowledge the immense benefit derived from the 
use of the Salt Sulphur. 

9. Mercurial Rheumatism^ Periostitis and Inflam- 
mation of the Bones are also very much relieved (in 
most cases) by the use of the Salt Sulphur. Along 
with the water it will be well to use the hot baths. 

10. Chronic Diseases of the Skin, — When judi- 
ciously administered, no remedy is productive of 
more permanent benefit in all cutaneous affections, 
than the sulphur waters, but unfortunately they are 
but too often abused. They are only suitable when 
the eruptions are of long duration, and unaccom- 
panied by inflammation. Used in the acute stages, 
they aggravate the symptoms. It is always pro- 
per, moreover, to employ the warm or hot baths 
during the use of the water. The Salt Sulphur is 
often eminently successful in relieving cases of this 
kind. 



164 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

I have thus briefly sketched the principal affec- 
tions to which the Salt Sulphur is applicable ; and 
to shew that my assertions are borne out by facts, I 
insert the certificates of several persons, who, w r ith 
myself, were very much benefitted by its use. 

Salt Sulphur Springs, 

July 29th, 1835. 

To Messrs. ErsJcine and Caruthers, 

Gentlemen, 

The undersigned, visiters at the 
Salt Sulphur Springs, prompted by a sense of grate- 
ful respect for your kind and unwearied attentions 
to ourselves and families, beg leave to convey to you 
our assurance of entire satisfaction with the arrange- 
ments of your establishment. Such have been the 
cordial hospitalities and ample and varied accom- 
modations of your house, that we shall ever look 
back to our temporary residence with you with 
pleasure and delight. 

Experience, which is the best analysis your 
Springs can have, justifies us in recommending it as 
an invaluable anti-dyspeptic water, relieving the 
liver, bowels and vascular sj^stem, and acting very 
kindly upon the secretions generally. 

If order, abundant and well-prepared fare, excel- 
lent bedding, quiet and obliging domestics, impar- 
tial and gentlemanly efforts to promote health and 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 165 

comfort, have any influence upon public favor, the 
proprietors of the Salt Sulphur will certainly se- 
cure it. 

With sentiments of respectful regard, 

Your obedient servants, 
Rev. Benjamin M. Palmer, Charleston, S. C. ; 
James Chestnut, Camden, S. C. ; Jos. Otis, New 
York ; Rev. John Johns, D. D., Baltimore, Md. ; 
Alfred Leyburn, Lexington, Va. ; Rev. Henry V. D. 
Johns, Fredericktown, Md. ; H. V. Levis, Philadel- 
phia ; Wra. H. Hubbard, Richmond, Va. ; Thomas 
Wilson, Baltimore ; Thos. Easley, Halifax county, 
Va. ; A. Sebrall, Kanawha, Va. ; Wm. Ellicott, El- 
licott's Mills, Md. ; Willis Jones, M. D., Milton, N. 
C. ; Henry P. Norris, Baltimore ; R. Jones, U. S. 
A., Washington ; W. B. Meacham, Miss. ; Peter 
H. Dillard, Rockingham county, N. C. ; James V. 
Toby, New Orleans; George L. Twiggs, Ga. ; 
Richard Tuban, Ga. ; S. T. Gaillard, S. C. ; P. A. 
Clay, Bedford, Va. ; Jacob V. Davies, Baltimore ; 
Samuel R. Smith, Baltimore ; Robert M. R. Smith, 
Baltimore ; J. B. Grimball, S. C. ; Oliver Norris, 
Baltimore; A. K. Brown, Petersburg; William A. 
Caruthers, M. D., New York ; John Clark, M. D., 
New York ; Samuel St. John, Jun., Mobile ; Wil- 
liam Wilson, Lexington, Va. ; Charles S. Richards, 
New York ; Olio Dyer, Mobile; William Bones, 
Charleston, S. C. ; John P. Staples, Patrick county, 
Va. ; George Walton, Lynchburg, Va. ; John T. 



166 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

E. Lewis, Brunswick, Va. ; James Greenlee, Rock- 
bridge county, Va. ; Benjamin B. Duke, Louisa 
county, Va. ; M. H. Dosson, La. ; William Brown, 
N. C.j John Harleston, S. C. ; S. Garland, Lynch- 
burg, Va. ; Francis D. Quash, S. C. ; George C. 
Friend, Charlotte county, Va. ; Edward Wilkins, 
N. C. ; Orlando S. Rees, S. C. ; J. B. Billysley, S. 
C. ; Thomas Shivers, Philadelphia ; F. Pinckney 
Lowndes, Charlotte, S. C. ; Thomas W. White, 
Halifax county, Va. ; Burwell Bassett, Williams- 
burg ; C. P. Dorman, Lexington, Va. ; Charles H. 
Robertson, Charlotte county, Va. ; Henry Robert- 
son, Charlotte county, Va. ; Samuel N. Stevens, 
Charleston, S. C. 

Salt Sulphur Springs, 

August 13th, 1838. 

Messrs. ErsJcine and Caruthers. 
Gentlemen, 

Having been greatly benefitted 
by drinking the waters of your valuable Spring, I 
deem it a duty to my fellow-beings to leave this 
statement of my case in your hands. For six 
months previous to my coming here, I had been 
suffering with a most obstinate constipation of the 
bowels, which I had tried in vain to remove by me- 
dicine, diet and exercise; and during that time I 
could not obtain a stool without the aid of an injec- 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 167 

tion, and great pain attending it. After being here 
ten days, the Salt Sulphur water began to act freely 
on my bowels, and now, at the expiration of a month, 
I am glad to inform you that the constipation is en- 
tirely removed, and my strength restored, and I am 
going home in cheerful spirits to my friends. 
Yours truly, 

GEORGE A. BUTT, 

New York. 

Salt Sulphur Springs, 

August 10th, 1836. 

Mrs. left her house in a state of great debi- 
lity, scarcely able to walk, and was but little re- 
cruited by the journey. She reached the Salt Sul- 
phur on the 20th of July, having stopped a week at 
the White Sulphur on the way, but without using 
the water. After remaining three days at the Salt 
Sulphur, and partaking of the waters there, she pro- 
ceeded to the Red Sulphur, and staid there six days, 
returning on the 29th July to the Salt, having, while 
at the Red, used two or three tumblers of the water 
per diem ; remained at the Salt Sulphur until the 
9th of August. 

When Mrs. arrived first at the Salt Sulphur 

she weighed 91 pounds, and was unable to walk 
any distance, or use any degree of exercise, with- 
out great suffering. In thirteen days after her arri- 



168 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

val at the Salt Sulphur she was again weighed in 
the same scales, and had increased to 95J pounds, 
making a gain of 4J pounds in weight, while the 
circumference of her waist had been reduced nearly 
five inches. In the interim, her countenance and 
eyes had undergone an essential change for the bet- 
ter, her spirits and strength restored, so as to take 
any ordinary exercise of riding or walking without 
inconvenience. The quantity of water which she 
ordinarily took was from three to four glasses per 
diem, and she was careful in her diet, avoiding all 
warm bread, and principally using bran bread, ho- 
miny, mutton, &c, &c. 

Staunton, March 1822. 

Some years since, I w T as afflicted with an obsti- 
nate and dangerous disease, from which I was un- 
able to obtain relief until I visited the Salt Sulphur 
Spring, near Union in the county of Monroe. The 
use of that water restored me to perfect health, 
which makes it my duty to state, at the request of 
the proprietors, the high opinion I have formed of 
its medicinal efficacy. 

I consider the Salt Sulphur water eminently use- 
ful in all cases that require cathartic remedies, par- 
ticularly such diseases of the liver and stomach as 
proceed from biliary obstructions. The operation 
upon the bowels is active, but not violent, cleansing 
effectually the alimentary canal, and promoting di- 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 169 

gestion in a remarkable degree. The cathartic ten- 
dency of the water is so mild and certain, that the 
stomach and bowels are never oppressed or irri- 
tated ; and whilst the healthy functions of the sys- 
tem are enabled to take their course, the suspended 
causes of disease are gradually worn away. 

BRISCOE G. BALDWIN. 

In the year 1812, I visited the Sweet and Sul- 
phur Springs. I was then laboring under a nervous 
debility and extreme costiveness. I derived much 
benefit from the use of all those waters, but found 
none so strong and active as the Salt Sulphur. I 
concur in the opinion with many, that this is a va- 
luable water, and should be more sought after. 

Certified this 6th day of May 1823. 

S. B. CHAPMAN. 

Salt Sulphur Springs, 

August 31, 1836, 
Messrs. ErsJcine and Caruthcrs. 
Gentlemen, 

Intending to leave your excellent 
and perfectly arranged establishment to-morrow, on 
my return home, I cannot, however, do so without 
expressing my thanks to you for your polite atten- 
tion to myself, (and I observed the same attention 
to others,) during my stay at the Salt Sulphur ; and 
I have much pleasure in saying, that the use of the 
8 



170 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Salt Sulphur Spring water has been eminently be- 
neficial to me ; for, prior to my coming here, I had 
been suffering for eighteen months from a total de- 
rangement of stomach from a long residence in 
a warm climate, (Bermuda,) say, bad bile, great 
acidity of stomach, and an overflow of mucus to 
the lungs; in short, I had the dyspepsia, with all its 
disagreeables, accompanied with debility of body. 

Having tried the White Sulphur for ten days, 
without benefit, I came here, and in a week I 
found relief from all my complaints; but my medi- 
cal adviser, who practised at the White, recom- 
mended me to try the Red Sulphur, notwithstand- 
ing my having written to him of my improved 
state — my pulse, for one thing, being reduced from 
80 to 73 beats. I went to the Red, and stayed 
there eight days ; my pulse rose on the third day 
to 82, the fifth day to 89, the sixth day to 96 and 
100. I was obliged to be leeched, which reduced 
my pulse to 84. I had there headachs and dryness 
of tongue ; so, on the ninth day in the morning, I 
returned to the Salt, where, on the fourth day, my 
pulse was again at 73, on the sixth day at 71, and 
has continued from that day to this, varying only 
from 71 to 72, night and morning. 

I always counted my pulse in bed, when quiet, be- 
fore drinking the water; for after drinking the Spring 
water, my pulse latterly came down to 68 beats. I 
was attentive to my diet, taking only stale bread or 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 171 

dry toast, with scarcely any butter, two cups of tea 
with milk (no cream) for breakfast ; my dinner was 
mutton, (no gravy,) with rice and stale bread, no ve- 
getable — sometimes I took roast fowl, but no pud- 
ding or pies ; at tea-time, I took one cup of tea and 
stale bread — no butter, I found grease so bad for me. 
The quantity of water taken by me was two half- 
pint tumblers at half past 5 o'clock in the morning 
in bed ; one tumbler at 12 o'clock ; sometimes one 
at 5 o'clock ; and when in bed at night I took one 
more tumbler of the water, but if I wished to per- 
spire a little more freely, I took two tumblers of it. 
I found the water determine gently to the bowels, 
rather than to the kidneys. What I took produced 
a full movement of the bowels. Before breakfast I 
walked a quarter of an hour ; between breakfast 
and dinner I walked about five miles, often going to 
"Union ; between dinner and bed-time I think I 
walked about two miles more. I used to calculate 
about seven miles a day. For one hour after din- 
ner I remained quiet in my room. I ate fruit once, 
and it gave me such a lesson I never tried it again. 
I am thus particular, for it may be of benefit to 
some one else next year, and you are quite wel- 
come to shew this letter if you wish it. 

Wishing you your health, not forgetting Mrs. Ers- 
kine, 

I remain, gentlemen, 

Your obedient servant, 

W. H. BURNABY, BaroneU 



172 mineral springs of virginia. 

Salt Sulphur Springs, 
Sept. 22, 1839. 

Messrs. ErsJcine and Caruihers. 

I have been affected for five or six years 
with an obstinate disease of the liver and dyspep- 
sia, and have visited nearly all the Springs in the 
mountains, without having experienced any material 
benefit, until I came to this place. 

I have applied to some of the best physicians, 
without being relieved, but am happy to state that 
the Salt Sulphur water has had a most beneficial 
effect in removing many of the inconveniences at- 
tending my disease, insomuch that I am induced to 
carry a portion of it home with me. 

Yours, most respectfully, 

JOSEPH E. GARRATT. 

P. S. — I am a resident of Knoxville, Frederick 
county, Maryland. J. E. G. 

A true copy of the original. 

Erskine & Caruthers. 

analysis of the salt sulphur springs. 

BY PROF. WM. B. ROGERS. 

Temperature variable from 49° to 56°. Solid 
matter procured by evaporation from 100 cubic 
inches, weighed after being dried at 212°, 81.41 
grains. 



36.755 gi 


ains 


7.833 


i< 


9.682 


« 


4.445 


u 


1.434 


(( 


0.116 


(( 


0.683 


(( 


0.025 


<( 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 173 

Quantity of each solid ingredient in 100 cubic 
inches, estimated as perfectly free from water: 

1. Sulphate of lime, 

2. Sulphate of magnesia, - 

3. Sulphate of soda, 

4. Carbonate of lime, 

5. Carbonate of magnesia, - 

6. Chloride of magnesium, - 

7. Chloride of sodium, 

8. Chloride of calcium, 

9. Peroxide of iron, derived from 

proto-sulphate, - 0.042 « 

10. An azotised organic matter 

blended with sulphur, about 4 " 

11. Earth} 7- phosphates, a trace. 

12. Iodine. 

Volume of each of the gases contained in a free 
state in 100 cubic inches : 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, 1.10 to 1.50 cubic inches. 
Nitrogen, - - 2.05 " " 

Oxygen, - - 0.27 " " 

Carbonic acid, - - 5.75 " " 

" I enclose you a list of the ingredients in the 
Salt Sulphur water, which applies to the New as 
well as the Old Spring, the former having rather a 
smaller amount of saline matter in general, though 
in some ingredients surpassing the other. It has 
been very minutely analyzed, and is the first of all 



174 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

the waters in which I was able to detect traces of 
iodine, which it contains in a larger amount than the 
Old Spring, and indeed most of the other waters in 
which I have been so fortunate as to discover this 
material." 

In connection with the agency of iodine in the 
New Spring, I give insertion to the following inte- 
resting certificate : 

Union, Monroe County, Va. 

15th December 1845. 

During the summer of 1845 I was induced to try 
the Iodine Spring, at the Salt Sulphur Springs, in 
Monroe, for an obstinate and (as I then supposed) 
incurable eruption on the skin of one of my chil- 
dren. The disease first appeared at the age of 
three weeks, in the shape of small red spots upon 
the cheeks, succeeded very soon by little watery 
pimples, which rose and broke continually, but 
without healing. In a short time the affected parts 
increased in size as well as quantity, until they ex- 
tended from the face to the head and neck, and 
thence over the entire body — presenting one uni- 
form and consolidated appearance of disease over 
the whole surface. The neck, head and face dis- 
charged matter from the scabs, and the legs from 
the knee down. 

For fourteen months I kept the child constantly 
under medical treatment, but without any perma- 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 175 

nent benefit, or any prospect of recovery, until, at 

the instance of Dr. M , (who was at that time 

residing at the Salt,) I was induced to make a trial 
of its waters. He represented the disease as a con- 
stitutional affection of the blood, which could not be 
relieved, and which ought not to be arrested very 
suddenly, but assured me, very confident!}^ that it 
would yield to nothing with so much certainty and 
success as to the external application of the Iodine 
water at the Salt. The child was bathed twice a 
day in the water, made gently tepid, of which it 
drank pretty copiously during the ceremony. About 
the fourth day there was an evident change for the 
better, and the child from that time continued to 
improve daily, until, at the expiration of six weeks, 
the sores had healed, the scabs had disappeared, the 
pimples and splotches had subsided, and the skin, 
for the first time for more than fourteen months, as- 
sumed a natural and healthy appearance. 

I have no doubt, by remaining a few weeks longer, 
every vestige of the eruption would have been re- 
moved. But I consider the disease at this time as 
effectually conquered, and as having changed its 
type completely; indeed, the only indications ever 
visible, are an occasional roughness of the skin. As 
we used no medicine, except occasionally some 
mild cathartic, 1 feel no hesitation in ascribing all 
the results that I have stated to the effects of the 
Iodine water. 

WM. G. CAPERTON. 



176 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



SWEET SPRINGS. 



The Sweet Springs are situated on the head wa- 
ters of Dunlap's creek, on the eastern border of 
Monroe county, 17 miles from the White Sulphur, 
and 22 from the Salt Sulphur, in a delightful val- 
ley, the air of which is pure and dry. 

This vale, about five miles in length, and of an 
average of about half a mile in width, bounded on 
the north by the Alleghany, and on the south by 
the Sweet Springs mountain, may, without any 
disparagement of other beautiful valleys, be deno- 
minated the Te?npe of Virginia. I first visited it in 
1823, when elasticity of limbs, buoyancy of spirits, 
ardor of temperament were yet mine, and a gifted 
and accomplished woman roamed with me over 
those lovely hills, and from their summits admired 
its scenery from many points of view. 

Ye halcyon days ! how shall the aged man paint 
those scenes, associated with the dearest reminis- 
cences of life ? It feels to me like wandering soli- 
tary and pensive through the old church-yard at 



SWEET SPRINGS. 177 

Williamsburg, and by rubbing off the dust and moss 
of a century, trying to decipher the faint inscrip- 
tions on the tombstones. Vain, vain world ! It is 
only twenty-seven years ago since I was first at 
this rural watering-place, amidst the elite of Virgi- 
nia, the Carolinas, and Maryland ; when beauty, 
wit, elegance and grace characterized the fair visit- 
ers, and honor, refinement, urbanity and disinte- 
restedness distinguished the male portion of the as- 
semblage. 

The Sweet Springs, the White Sulphur and the 
Warm Springs were then the only places of any 
note in that region, and the White and Sweet were 
on a par as to extent of accommodations— if indeed 
a parcel of rude huts, indifferent beds, and the 
plainest possible fare, can be called accommodation. 
At each place there were about 250 visiters, such 
as I have described them ; yet, how few are now 
remaining ! I recollect half a dozen — possibly there 
may be a score. Yet this is life, and this is the 
fleeting phantom we cling to with so much tenacity. 

But let me not cast a shade over the cheerfulness 
of my readers by such reflections. I would rather 
see them cheerful and happy. I cannot accompany 
them now in long and pleasant walks, over sunny 
hills and shaven meadows, through lovely glens, by 
sweetbriar bushes and clustering hawthorns, along 
purling streams and limpid rivulets ; but they can 
take my little, unpretending book as the companion 
S* 



178 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

of their rambles, and when they gain the summit of 
one of those conical hills that look down upon the 
valley, let them cast an eye over the rich alluvial 
fields, covered with extensive and luxuriant crops 
of indian corn — one of the most agreeable objects 
the sight can rest on, with its long, deep green 
leaves, gemmed with dew and glistening in the 
morning sun ; and let them behold the vast meadow 
studded densely with stacks of new-mown hay, 
and hear the kine lowing amid the exuberance of 
rich pasturage, and the pretty lambs bleating for 
their dams that are busily engaged on the hill's 
brow, cropping the low but sweet blue-grass, and 
let them quaff in the sweet odors of the hawthorn 
blossoms — and after they have admired all these 
beauties of opening summer, let them linger among 
and revel amidst those innocent delights. 

And now, when autumn's first breath shall have 
seared the earlier foliage, let them look again through 
the vista, along the dense forests that invest the mag- 
nificent ridge called Peters' mountain, and view 
amidst the sombre foliage of the oak, pine and hem- 
lock, at intervals, the gay-looking dogwood, most 
gorgeous in its decay, like a lovely maiden having 
the flush of consumption on her damask cheek. 
When they have seen these, and the majestic pop- 
lars, like pontiffs in their robes, let them now trace 
their course along the rippling stream, and admire 
the lowly cardinal flower in his vestment of scarlet, 



SWEET SPRINGS. 179 

and look into the stream and see the speckled moun- 
tain trout disporting in the cold and lucid waters — 
and after they have seen these, and innumerable 
other pleasant objects, they may say, the author of 
this little book has been here before us — he has en- 
jo}^ed all these rural delights ! 

Let us now return from our excursions, and take a 
nearer view of the immediate vicinity of the Springs 
and the improvements that encompass them. 

The most striking and important object that meets 
the eye is the majestic hotel, of admirable propor- 
tions and magnificent distances. A lame man, like 
myself, would require a carriage to go from one end 
of it to the other. It is 250 feet long by 4S wide, 
and, including the basement, is three stories high. 
It has three grand porticoes with piazzas interven- 
ing, and altogether has a most imposing appearance. 
The basement is divided into kitchens, and various 
departments for domestic purposes, with a bar-room 
and two reception-rooms, one for ladies and the 
other for gentlemen. The middle floor has a dining- 
room 160 feet by 48, a ball-room 40 by 48, and a 
drawing-room 40 by 48 feet. In the third story 
there are thirty-six bed-rooms with an entry be- 
tween them — they are about 14 feet square. 

Such are the dimensions and such the proportions 
of this vast edifice, built of brick, with walls as 
thick as those of a fort, and piers as massive as its 
buttresses. It looks as if it would take a broadside 



180 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

of Paixhan guns to batter it down. And yet, what 
big guns would scarcely do, the little, silent, trickling 
drops of rain will effect ere many years, if the pro- 
perty on which it stands remains much longer before 
the court of appeals. It was still unfinished when it 
passed from the hands of its enterprising founder, 
and it is now fast dilapidating for want of a perma- 
nent owner. The property has, for several years, 
been annually rented out at auction by the sheriff. 
For the next season, (1851,) it is to be in the hands 
of Messrs. C. J. Beirne and Thos. Johnson, enter- 
prising, active, estimable men, who will no doubt 
manage it in the best manner for their own interest 
and the comfort of their guests. 

The other buildings are frame cottages and ca- 
bins, connected or isolated, spread over the umbra- 
geous and extensive lawn. These, with the hotel, 
are sufficient to accommodate 250 persons. The 
trees, like those at the White Sulphur, are the re- 
mains of the primitive forest, and are truly magni- 
ficent — oaks, elms, sugar maple, hickory, &c. The 
late proprietor planted some locust and other trees, 
that also ornament the place. 

This is the gayest of all the Mineral Springs. It 
is the last place visited before the company are 
thinking of home. Any little reserve that may 
have interfered with social intercourse at the White 
and other Sulphur Springs has been obliterated by 
the acquaintance gradually formed at those places, 



SWEET SPRINGS. 181 

and here they meet again as old friends glad to 
renew their agreeable associations. Restored to 
health, in buoyant spirits, exhilarated by this in- 
vigorating water, their animal spirits are raised to 
the highest degree of excitation, and the merry 
laugh, the song and dance testify their happiness. 

If some ascetic being, who thinks piety consists 
in a long face, were to look in upon their mirth, he 
would think them fit candidates for Tartarus. Is 
man so constituted by nature that he must be a 
fanatic on some subject? It is not so. The truly 
benevolent man is never a fanatic or a bigot. He 
loves God's creatures because they are God's crea- 
tures. He does not tie down all mankind with the 
little cord that binds the bigot's pinched up, puck- 
ered, ricketty person. He looks with pleasure on 
the young enjoying those harmless amusements ap- 
propriate to their age, and delights in seeing all his 
fellow-beings cheerful and happy. I would rather 
take my chance for Heaven with such a man, than 
with the self-sufficient Pharisee, who has prayers 
on his lips and wormwood in his heart, as if God 
were the little, envious, malignant thing he is 
himself. 

Let me now approach the noble fountain — second 
only, if second, in volume of water to the Warm 
Springs. The stream which supplies the drinking 
water rises from the earth, and is confined in an ob- 
long octagon reservoir about seven feet deep. The 



182 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

surplus water discharges itself into the gentlemen's 
bath, and forms a magnificent spout, under which 
the bathers place themselves and enjoy indescriba- 
ble luxury. The temperature of the Spring is about 
74j°, and that of the Baths 73J°. 

The Baths are two in number, of equal dimen- 
sions, about 20 feet square — with dressing rooms 
and fire-places. They are under the same roof, but 
separated by a brick wall such as might defy Py- 
ramus and Thisbe, and having entrances on opposite 
sides of the building. 

If a German Doctor had such fountains as these 
to describe, his enthusiasm would carry him to the 
third heaven. He would imagine his body was 
immersed in celestial ether, and his head resting on 
the bosom of an angel. From the bottom of this 
pool, as also at the Warm Springs, arise innumera- 
ble bubbles of the size of a pea. They emerge 
from the pebbles with a whiz, and rise in myriads 
to the surface if they meet with no impediment. 
They seem to be chasing each other from their 
fairy world, as if in merry sport, and laughing at 
their own antics. When the bather places himself 
among them they strike him all over his body — pat, 
pat, pat. It is said these sounds are so distinct that 
an Irishman, once immersed in their midst, thought 
they were calling him away to the land of spirits, 
and, filled with terror, rushed from the pool. I, 
however, think my countrymen too gallant to exhi- 



SWEET SPRINGS. 183 

bit any such timidity, and do not believe one word 
of the story, although told by one of themselves. 
Another version, and one more probable, is, that he 
fancied the "good people" were hitting him with 
young potatoes— an operation at which he was 
vastly amused. 

And thou, Sir Francis Head! I would fain in- 
voke a few corruscations from thy genius, to tell my 
readers how the old may become young, and the 
young become Narcissuses, or Deiopeias, by bathing 
in these pellucid waters, but there is too little poe- 
try in my composition for such an attempt. 

All fancy being laid aside, however, there is, 
there can be nothing on the habitable globe superior 
to these Baths, in their beautiful clearness and their 
invigorating effects on the human frame, when it is 
not laboring under any actual organic lesion. The 
pools are five feet deep, yet so clear is the water 
that you would not suppose it two feet. It reminded 
me of the Bahama Shoals, but it is infinitely clearer. 

When a person to whose case this water is 
adapted comes out, after a suitable period of im- 
mersion — say from five to ten minutes, according 
to circumstances — in the act of rubbing dry, his skin 
becomes as red as a perpetual rose, and he feels as 
if he were in truth not treading on earth. It is, 
however, necessary to this favorable effect that 
there should be no important lesion or inflammatory 
action of the internal organs. The use of the Sweet 



184 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Spring water, valuable as it is when properly ap- 
plied, is in many cases extremely hazardous. It 
may be deemed unfortunate that there is no relia- 
ble analysis of this water to guide us ; but experi- 
ence, running back many years, enables me to form, 
I trust, a tolerably correct estimate of its virtues. 
There can be no doubt that its distinguishing cha- 
racteristic is carbonic acid gas. By means of this 
it holds in solution the several alkaline ingredients 
it contains, and this also imparts to it that brisk, 
champagne-like sparkling which it exhibits. This, 
too, is the source of that exhilarating quality for 
which it is so remarkable. 

The temperature, as has already been remarked, 
is about 74J°. This and the sub-acid taste render 
it by no means agreeable on first acquaintance, but 
a little perseverance on the part of the drinker will 
result in his tolerating it, or, as is almost invariably 
the case, his becoming exceedingly fond of it. 

The condition of the system in which this water 
is indicated is debility, pure debility, unaccompanied 
by organic lesion or inflammation. Let it be well 
impressed on the mind of the visiter, that if there 
be a congested condition of any vital organ, this wa- 
ter is improperly used. Let me suppose that a 
Southern man with an engorged liver were to drink 
this water and plunge into its tempting bath, what 
would be the almost certain consequence ? Chill, 
fever, effusion, death. This opinion is not lightly 



SWEET SPRINGS. 185 

given. I have to give a lamentable illustration of 
such a result in treating of the Red Sweet, the ac- 
tion of which is analogous to the Sweet, though 
still more inappropriate in such cases as that to 
which I have alluded. Need I then say, that in 
bilious temperaments, a course of Sulphur waters is 
desirable as a preparation to both these tonic agents? 
I hope my remarks on the Hot Springs and White 
and Salt Sulphur have given the reader some useful 
instruction in this regard. But, it is not engorged 
or torpid liver alone that will not admit of these 
waters. No matter what organ is involved, if it be 
in a congested, inflamed or even irritated condition, 
these waters are not suited. 

Is there a case of chlorosis dependent on anemia, 
from want of nutritive food, or from some mental 
malady, or abnormal functions — then the Sweet 
Springs water externally and internally is invalu- 
able. Is there a case of amenorrhoea, usually the 
accompaniment of the former, dependent on the 
same causes — this water is the proper remedy. 
Have excessive labor and care, or anxiety of mind, 
or youthful imprudence, reduced the strong man to 
the timid, nervous, melancholy, despondent condi- 
tion of hysteria — let him hasten to the Sweet Springs. 

These waters quicken the circulation, impart 
tonicity and vigor to the system, excite the animal 
passions, cheer the spirits, and inspire the mind 
with pleasurable sensations. Aged persons espe- 



186 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

cially will find vigor and elasticity at the bottom 
of this noble fountain. A man who could have an 
opportunity of daily plunging into the Sweet or 
Red Sweet bath might live to the fabled age of the 
crow. The former venerable owner of the latter 
place takes this plunge every day, winter and sum- 
mer, and is approaching the patriarchal age of four- 
score years. 

But let the sanguineous, plethoric, apoplectic tem- 
perament, whether male or female, be cautious in 
the use of these waters. Females, who may by 
any probability be in a delicate condition, or w r ho are 
liable to severe periodical haemorrhages, should not 
use the water internally or by bathing. I have al- 
ready intimated the forms of uterine disease in 
which they can be used with advantage ; but in 
every abnormal condition of this organ, medical ad- 
vice is necessary, and should never be dispensed 
with. 

In certain cases of dyspepsia, and in some nephri- 
tic diseases, this water is extremely valuable. 

In tuberculous conditions of the lungs, in bron- 
chitis, in organic diseases of the heart, in engorge- 
ment of the liver or spleen, in dropsical effusions of 
the thorax or abdomen, in jaundice, in haemoptysis, 
in menorrhagia, in haemorrhoids, in idiopathic pa- 
ralysis, in all idiopathic affections of the brain, these 
waters are contra-indicated. 

In that protean disease — neuralgia — they are of- 



SWEET SPRINGS. 187 

ten useful, and sometimes hurtful. In sprains, dis- 
locations, old injuries, in many cases of rheumatism, 
and in cases of erratic gout, they are valuable. In 
want of power, caused by early indiscretions or 
the inordinate indulgence of sensual pleasure, these 
waters, and, a fortiori, the Red Sweet, are perhaps 
unrivalled. 

There is one practice prevailing at this place and 
the Red Sweet Springs, so pernicious, that it cannot 
be too severely reprobated : I allude to the pota- 
tions of mint julap and other spirituous mixtures af- 
ter coming from the bath. 

Incalculable injury may be done by this abuse, 
and I have little doubt that many cases, said to have 
been injured by this water and bath, may be fairly 
traced to mintjulaps. The persons who indulge in 
this insidious mixture are usually gross, plethoric, 
sensual men, who of all others should be most afraid 
of such indulgences, and least need them. A fee- 
ble, anemic person, such as I have described in a 
former paragraph, may, with great advantage, take 
a weak mint julap and a cracker, or a cup of coffee 
or chocolate, or a glass of boiled milk, or any other 
nourishment that suits the individual case ; but the 
gross, sanguineous bather needs no such stimulus. 
It will be well if the water itself does not excite him 
overmuch. 

As I shall offer some remarks on the hours and 
manner of bathing at the thermal waters, it is 



188 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

scarcely necessary to trouble the invalid here with 
details. An empty stomach, a comfortable condi- 
tion of the feelings, the absence of anything like 
chilliness of surface, prompt, fearless and brief im- 
mersion, a vigorous application of the towels by the 
bather and attendant — these are the requisites to- 
wards a successful experiment. 

If, on being thus rubbed, the system remains 
chilled, and the surface shews goose-skin, and the 
spirits are depressed and the heart is oppressed, 
then let the bather avoid a repetition. In such a 
case a mint julap, or a cup of hot tea or coffee, may 
do him good, but farther experiment is hazardous. 

I feel I should be doing injustice were I to omit 
mention of a modest, retiring, but skilful and expe- 
rienced gentleman, Dr. Tyndal, the resident physi- 
cian at the Sweet Springs. He has for the last 25 
years been a constant observer of the action of all 
the mineral waters in this region, but especially of 
this, the Red Sweet and the White, Salt and Red 
Sulphur Springs. His advice, therefore, may be 
valuable to the visiter of these neighboring Springs, 
and I am only performing a duty in calling atten- 
tion to his claims. 



RED SWEET SPRINGS. 189 



CHAPTER XIV. 



RED SWEET SPRINGS. 



At a distance of one mile from the Sweet Springs, 
on the road leading to the White Sulphur, are the 
Red Sweet Springs, first owned and improved by 
Philip Rogers, Esq., subsequently purchased and 
still farther improved by John R. Sampson, Esq., 
and recently sold by him to Messrs. C. Bias and 
Samuel V. Gatewood. 

The Red Sweet Spring is a chalybeate, and a 
most powerful agent in cases that admit a tonic 
treatment. This is an advantage which this esta- 
blishment possesses over its neighbor, having, be- 
sides, the same kind of water which is so abundant 
at the " Sweet Springs." The acidulous or " sweet" 
waters at both establishments, seem to be so much 
alike, that there can be no essential difference be- 
tween them, and as they are situated in an abun- 
dant region and on the great thoroughfare connect- 
ing Eastern Virginia with its trans-Alleghany terri- 
tory, we hope that, notwithstanding their proximity, 
they may do a good business. 



190 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

The situation of these Springs is a beautiful one, 
overlooking one of the most fertile and best culti- 
vated farms in Virginia. The celebrated Beaver- 
dam falls are on this farm, and about a mile and a 
half from the Springs. 

The original name of these Springs was " Red 
Springs," but, in consequence of mistakes frequently 
having occurred in the direction of letters to this 
place and the Red Sulphur, the name at the head 
of this article has been adopted. 

The main building here is of frame, and judi- 
ciously designed as regards convenience, but being 
thrown across the valley, as in the case of the Sweet 
Springs, it is destructive of the natural beauty of 
the locality. It contains thirty comfortable cham- 
bers, a ball-room, dining-room and bar-room, and 
has two galleries of two stories, extending the whole 
length, communicating at intervals by open pas- 
sages, in which there are stairs leading to both stories. 
Nowhere have I seen a more convenient arrange- 
ment than this. It has but one fault, and that is, 
that the double rooms communicate lengthwise, in- 
stead of enjoying the advantage of both porticoes 
and the delightful draught that passes through the 
valley. There is a beautiful range of cottages run- 
ning through the lawn, which, having been last year 
extended very considerably, this place can now take 
in about 120 persons. 

The great Red Springs, which are most relied 



RED SWEET SPRINGS. 191 

upon for bathing, issues from a limestone stratum, 
covered to a considerable depth by a soft porous 
stone, apparently a deposit from the Sweet Springs 
stream, which seems to have once taken that direc- 
tion. There are three Springs, of which the upper 
and boldest seems to differ in composition and tem- 
perature but very little from the Sweet Springs. 
The two others close by, and separated from each 
other by a thin partition of rock, differ materially in 
the quantity of iron and temperature from the first, 
the temperature of those being 7SJ°, while that is 
only 73°. All, together, would probably discharge 
250 gallons in a minute. 

The bathing-house is a large building, probably 
40 feet square, divided into two apartments as at 
the Sweet Springs, each apartment being furnished 
with dressing-rooms, &c. The water is conveyed 
by trunks to the reservoirs, and, by reducing the 
depth of the basin to four feet, it affords the finest 
spout imaginable. After swimming about for two 
or three minutes, it was my custom to place myself 
under this noble stream, and let it fall on the chest 
and shoulders. I never was tempted to remain in 
longer than five minutes ; I then got upon the plat- 
form, took in hand a towel and dried the head and 
neck, while a servant was engaged in rubbing the 
body with all his might. In two minutes, when the 
water is likely to suit, the skin becomes as red as 
crimson under this operation, and the person feels as 



192 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

if he could jump over the moon. I am disposed to 
think that some cases in which there is no re-action, 
are attributable to bad rubbing, and permitting the 
body to get chilled. I would strongly recommend 
to the proprietor to have two rubbers instead of 
one — a man and a small boy for the gentlemen, and 
a maid and a little girl for the ladies. 

After getting out of the bath, the person should 
stand on a platform a few inches elevated from the 
floor. In this should be some grooves to carry off 
the moisture from the feet ; the junior rubber should 
then kneel down, and with a coarse towel dry per- 
fectly the legs and feet, while the bather and aid are 
employed on the head and trunk. With one rubber 
the feet are apt to be left too long wet, and the cir- 
culation is thereby delayed from the inferior capil- 
laries. 

A few paces below the hotel there was a large 
and very pleasant bath similar to the Sweet Springs ; 
it was, however, but little used, most persons pre- 
ferring the higher temperature of the Red Spring. 
The difference is very perceptible to the feelings. 
Both were delightful after the shock of the plunge 
was over, which in the Red Spring water is slight. 
My experience of the two baths, which I used for 
the purpose of experiment, caused me to give a de- 
cided preference to the Red Springs bath. I am 
disposed, however, to think that its advantage lies 
more in the higher temperature than in the carbon- 



RED SWEET SPRINGS. 193 

ate of iron it contains, though I can readily believe 
that this property may increase its tonic power. 
Whether it be so or not as applied to the skin, nine- 
teen out of twenty will think so. As a drinking 
water, its tonic property is acknowledged, and 
where such an agent is desirable, it is not to be sur- 
passed on the habitable globe. * 

The house over the bath near the hotel is now 
removed, and it is converted into an open pool some 
twenty feet in diameter. Kept clear of vegetable 
growth, it would be an agreeable object, but such 
was not its condition when I saw it last. 

The following is an extract of a letter received 
from the late proprietor : 

" Red Sweet Springs, 
" Alleghany Co., Feb. 16, 1846. 

" I have tested the relative temperatures of the 
Springs by a thermometer purchased of Mr. Ran- 
dolph in Richmond, made by McAlister of Phila- 
delphia, and find them to be as follows : The Up- 
per Spring, which discharges much the greater por- 
tion of the water, I find to be 77°. The next, or 
Middle Spring, 80°, and the Lower, or nearest the 
bath-house, 79°. These three Springs discharge 
three hundred and fifteen gallons of water per 
minute, by measurement this day made, and will be 
blended into one stream, and then divided between 
the two baths, which will make their temperature 
9 



194 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA, 

about 78°. I have also tested the two Springs near 
the hotel, both of which stand at 75°. The tem- 
perature of the pool is 74°, and this difference is 
caused by several little limestone springs emptying 
into it. This pool discharges two hundred and 
twenty gallons per minute. 

" I remain, dear sir, 

M Your most ob't serv f t, 

"JNO. R. SAMPSON. 

" P. S. — Below you will find a copy of the analy- 
sis by Prof. Rogers, taken from the copy recorded 
in my register at the Red Springs. 

" J. R. SAMPSON." 

1st. Solid matter procured by evaporation from 
100 cubic inches, weighed after being greatly dried 
at 112°, 40.76. A portion of this is combined 
water. 

2d. Quantity of each solid ingredient estimated 
as perfectly free from water. In 100 cubic inches : 
Sulphate of lime, - - 14.233 

Sulphate of magnesia, - - 3.107 

Sulphate of soda, - - 1.400 

Carbonate of lime, - - 9.411 

Carbonate of magnesia, - - 1.166 

Chloride of sodium, - - 0.037 

Chloride of magnesium, - - 0.680 

Chloride calcium, - - 0.010 

Susquioxide of iron, - - 0,320 



RED SWEET SPRINGS. 195 

Organic matter in small quantities. 

Iodine, a mere trace. 

The iron is no doubt dissolved in the water as a 
carbonate. 

3d. Volume of each of the gases contained in a 
free state in 100 cubic inches of the water: 

Carbonic acid, - 46.10 cubic inches. 

Nitrogen, - - 2.57 " " 

Oxygen, - - .20 " " 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, a trace too small to be 
measured. 

4th. Composition of 100 cubic inches of the 
mixed gases rising in bubbles in the Spring: 

Nitrogen, - - - 62.5 

Carbonic acid, - - - 37.5 

It seems entirely unnecessary to review again the 
class of diseases to which these waters are applica- 
ble, being almost identical with the Sweet Springs. 
It is proper, however, to remark, that as a drinking 
water the Red Sweet offers superior advantages in 
many cases. 

The great difficulty in the administration of pre- 
parations of iron is, that after a time they disagree 
with and irritate the stomach. Now this water 
holding the iron dissolved in carbonic acid, this diffi- 
culty is obviated, and the water may, with a little 
management, be used for an indefinite time. 

In the year 1845, I was a visiter at these Springs 
for several weeks, during which time I was enabled 



196 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

to make numerous observations on the effects of the 
water, which generally proved roborant, exhilara- 
ting, stimulating. I witnessed one case, however, 
in which the use of this water proved promptly 
fatal, and I mention it as a caution to others who 
may be similarly affected. 

One day, as I left the bath, I was met and ac- 
costed by two gentlemen who had just arrived from 
the White Sulphur. One of them was about 60 
years of age, vigorous and healthy. His friend, 
however, about 45, had a very different appearance. 
He was as yellow as an orange, with bile appa- 
rently diffused all through his system, the abdomen 
tumid, and the hand presented cold and corrugated. 
They asked if the bath was vacant, and I answered 
in the affirmative, asking the invalid if he meant to 
use it. He replied that he had come with that in- 
tention. I told him it was the last place he should 
have come to, for that the water was evidently not 
adapted to his case. He replied, however, that he 
was especially urged by a medical man at the 
White Sulphur, to use the water internally and ex- 
ternally. They passed on — the invalid took the 
bath, his system did not react, chill followed, fever 
supervened, coma soon succeeded, and in two or 
three days after, we followed him to the grave. 

Now, I do not mean to assert that this man would, 
under the best circumstances, have recovered, and 
become a healthy man ; but I do say that he did 



RED SWEET SPRINGS. 197 

not have a fair chance for his life ; and I think there 
is a fair probability that had he been sent to the Hot 
Springs, the result might have been similar to that 
in the case of Mr. Newsom — recorded in my notice 
of the Hot Springs. 

The boarding establishment at this favorite Spring 
was admirably kept by Mr. Sampson ; it is to be 
hoped that the gentlemen who succeed him will 
give equal satisfaction. 

After the above article was written, the following 
communication was received from the new proprie- 
tors : 

Mountain Grove, Jan. 6, 1851. 

Dr. Wm. Burke. 

Dear Sir, 

We received yours of the 26th of De- 
cember, requesting some information in regard to 
the Red Sweet Springs and its present proprietors, 
&c, &c. 

In answer to your enquiries, we have to state 
that the Red Sweet Springs were purchased of Mr. 
Sampson on the 28th of September last, for the sum 
of $ 40,000, by C. Bias of Memphis, Tennessee, 
and Samuel V. Gatewood of Bath county, Virginia. 
The property consists of the Springs and improve- 
ments, and between sixteen and seventeen hundred 
acres of land. 



198 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

The improvements contemplated at present are, 
a cottage containing eight rooms, adjoining the one 
built by Mr. Sampson last season, and of the same 
style as those on Baltimore Row at the White Sul- 
phur Springs, and now under contract. The next 
improvement is to be a large and extensive building 
150 feet long by 32 feet wide, two stories high, the 
basement to be for a dining-room, and the second 
story to be fitted up in handsome style for a ball- 
room and parlors ; the building to correspond with 
the hotel. We intend to fit up and finish hand- 
somely a billiard-room, to improve the ten-pin al- 
ley by laying down another track, and finish the 
house off handsomely. We will have a reading- 
room furnished with the most prominent papers 
published in the United States. 

These are the improvements contemplated for the 
ensuing season. The number of chambers will be 
about 100, the number of visiters that can be com- 
fortably accommodated about 175. We contem- 
plate extending and enlarging, so as to meet the in- 
creasing demand from year to year. We expect a 
daily line of stages from Callaghan's up Dunlap's 
creek to the Red Sweet, as well as the daily line 
from Charlottesville via White Sulphur Springs. 

The character of the improvements made by Mr. 
Sampson last season was very excellent, neat and 
comfortable, consisting of a handsome cottage with 
eight rooms, and a large two story house with double 



IRE15 SWEET SPRINGS. 199 

porches, containing many rooms — the number we 
do not recollect at present. 

We have not your book referred to f or we would 
be better prepared to give you more satisfaction. 
Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servants, 

BIAS & GATEWOOD. 



200 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



CHAPTER XV. 



THE SKIN. 



Before I enter upon the thermal waters, I desire 
to say a few words on that beautiful organ, which, 
above all others, distinguishes man from the inferior 
animal creation, and which in lovely woman fre- 
quently attains such exquisite perfection as to place 
her second only to the angels. 

The skin being one of the great safety-valves of 
the body, though perhaps the least regarded by the 
mass of mankind, and especially by that portion 
yclept " the Anglo-Saxon race," is amongst the most 
important organs of the human body. 

Had nature required of the kidneys to secrete all 
the impurities of the circulation, they would be in- 
adequate to perform the labor, at least without vastly 
more power than they now possess ; she has, there- 
fore, in her wisdom, invested the external covering 
of the body and the mucous surfaces of the inter- 
nal organs with an exhalant apparatus that frees 
the blood from those serous portions that are no 
longer necessary for the body, and from an excess 



THE SKIN. 201 

of carbon and other matters that might deteriorate 
its quality, just as the absorbent system appears to 
have been intended to introduce new and altera- 
tive materials into the system for its comfort and 
sustenance. How deeply the skin sympathises in 
all important lesions of the great organs of the body* 
is known even to ordinary observers, yet it has 
never received that consideration to which it is en- 
titled. The march of improvement, however, is 
onward, and we should never despair of effecting 
a reform so obviously important as that of cleanli- 
ness. 

In our Southern country especially, there is an 
urgent necessity for frequent ablutions, owing to 
the relaxed state of the system, produced by intense 
heat, and the consequent evaporations of the se- 
rous portion of the blood through the superficial 
covering of the body. In such a condition of things, 
the balance between the excreting functions of the 
skin and kidneys is destroyed, and the former has 
to perform a duty, which eventually overpowers 
its energies ; its action becomes morbid, and it is 
no longer able to resist either the impulse from 
within, or the sudden depression from cold to which 
it is exposed from without, by extraordinary and 
sudden vicissitudes of temperature. 

We know, however, from the experience of East- 
ern nations, that like all other hygienic principles, 
the salutary practice of bathing is liable to abuse. 
9* 



202 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Carried to excess, and accompanied by the use of 
powerful narcotics, it is pernicious to the physical, 
mental and moral energies. It should then be re- 
sorted to, not exclusive^ as a luxury, but as a 
means of cleansing the skin from accumulated im- 
purities, and encouraging a just proportion of the 
fluids to the capillary circulation. 

The manly exercise of swimming, when it can be 
practised, cannot be too strongly recommended. 
In the palmy clays of Rome, the river Tiber was 
not permitted to roll its waters to the sea neglected 
and unheeded. It was the constant practice of the 
Roman citizens to disport on its bosom, after they 
had anointed their bodies as a protection against 
the coldness of the water. Of its efficacy in pro- 
curing sleep we are assured by the satirist : 

" Ter uncti 
Transuanto Tiberim somno quibus opus est alto." 

With regard to the wealthy, who are able to 
afford all the conveniences of bathing, if they 
do not avail themselves of their advantages, it is 
their own fault, and they deserve no sympathy; 
but it is otherwise with persons of moderate circum- 
stances living in cities, and workers in manufacto- 
ries. Their health demands the care of the public 
authorities and of their employers. In the manu- 
factories of this country, which have almost all ex- 
tensive water power, how easy would it be to pro- 



THE SKIN. 203 

vide a large bathing chamber, in which all the 
laborers, male and female, should be required to 
bathe at least once a week. It would be easy to 
raise the temperature of the water to about 85 or 
90° Fahrenheit. 

In an establishment giving employment to two 
hundred persons, five cents a week deducted from 
the pay of each would amply pay the proprietor ; 
and in a mere pecuniary point of view r would be a 
saving to the laborers, who may thereby be saved 
from many ailments that cause loss of time. But I 
would not stop here : I would recommend to the 
legislatures, whenever application was made for an 
act of incorporation by a manufacturing company, 
to insist on a proviso obliging the corporators to 
provide a convenience such as I have described, 
and to insist on its use. Whenever temperance 
shall have become universal, and conveniences for 
bathing shall have been furnished to the great mass 
of the inhabitants of cities, and the more enlightened 
and opulent portion of the community will have, by 
their own example, induced the poorer class to 
adopt this great hygienic practice, we may look for 
an advance in the average of human life and human 
morals, which now might seem unattainable. 

Without entering into any very minute detail of 
the constituents of the skin, I may briefly say, that 
it consists of two strata or layers — the scarf skin 
and the true or sensitive skin. 



204 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

The former is an exudation from the blood-ves- 
sels to the surface of the latter, which, by aggrega- 
tion -and nourishment from the same source, be- 
comes organized and continuous, and is constantly 
being produced to compensate for the loss of friction 
on its surface. It is composed of albumen, and it 
is therefore that alkalies and soaps are used to 
purify it. These ablutions leaving only the new 
scarf skin, the sensibility of the skin is increased, 
but when they are neglected, on the contrary, it 
is greatly diminished. 

Of all cosmetics the fair sex can use, the most 
efficient and harmless is good plain soap, which de- 
terges the skin by combining with the oily matter, 
and at the same time softens the scaly scarf and 
dislodges it. 

It is in the deepest stratum of this epidermis that 
is lodged that coloring matter which, by its degrees 
of shade, gives characteristic color to the various 
races and nations of the earth, from the black negro 
to the fairest Anglo-Saxon. In the same individual, 
there is a considerable difference in the intensity of 
this pigment in summer and winter, being deeper 
in the former, and more blanched in the latter. 
To have a beautiful complexion, the ladies must 
guard it from the influence of hot fires, burning 
winds and great changes of temperature ; but the 
best security against the latter would be the daily 
tise of the shower-bath. 



THE SKIN. 205 

The great object of the scarf skin is the protec- 
tion of the true skin from bruises and all manner of 
injuries, and to this it is beautifully adapted by be- 
ing moulded exactly to correspond with all its irre- 
gularities. 

The nails also, those beautiful appendages of the 
human hand, deserve the care of the fair sex, for in 
truth, they are often unmistakable evidences of neg- 
ligent habits. They require no other treatment than, 
after washing, to rub the extremity of the scarf 
back from the crescent at their upper end, and to 
keep them from too close contact with the teeth. 
To see a beautiful young lady biting her nails is 
execrable. She deserves a husband that chews to- 
bacco. 

It might be interesting to the reader to take a 
view of the formation of the dermis, but it would 
lead me away from my immediate object, which is 
simply to direct attention to the important functions 
of this emunctory of the body. It is divided into 
two layers — the papillary and corium. The former 
is the sensitive, and the latter the defensive layer. 
It is in the surface of the sensitive skin that the 
blood is distributed by small arteries passing through 
the corium. Here they discharge their freight into 
the reticulated vessels called capillaries, which, 
having diffused it all over the surface, and through 
their porous texture, give egress to oxygen and nu- 
tritive portions of the blood, and gathering up the 



206 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

exhausted and carbonated materials, throw them 
into the veins, which conduct the now impure stream 
to the right cavities of the heart. Hence it is forced 
through an artery into the capillaries of the lungs, 
where it is oxygenated, and sends off its carbonic 
acid through the permeable vessels to be discharged 
from the lungs with the expired air, and is itself 
carried back in a purified state by special veins to 
the left chamber of the heart. About one-fourth of 
the venous blcod, how r ever, is distributed to the li- 
ver, and yields material for the bile before it arrives 
at the right side of the heart. The great filters of 
the venous blood are the lungs and liver, while the 
kidneys and skin are the emunctories of the ar- 
terial blood. 

Certain emotions of the mind, by bringing the ar- 
terial blood rapidly to the surface, produce blush- 
ing, and again the depressing passions, by repelling 
the blood upon the internal organs, produce extreme 
pallor. The yellow hue of jaundice is caused by 
the mingling of the color of the bile with the blood, 
and that of chlorosis also, by deranged function of 
the liver, and by deficiency and poverty of the 
blood. 

I shall next take a cursory view of the perspira- 
tory apparatus, some idea of which is necessary to- 
wards appreciating those medicinal agents of which 
I shall soon have to treat. It consists of small tubes 
passing from the exterior scarf skin through the two 



THE SKrN. 207 

inner layers, and terminating in the corium. In 
their passage, they form a spiral coil, and on arriv- 
ing in the interior of the corium, they are twisted 
into a little globular ball, known as the perspiratory 
gland. Its mouth on the scarf skin is called a pore. 

It is estimated by Dr. Erasmus Wilson, to whose 
admirable work on the skin I am indebted for these 
details, that each coiled tube and its gland being 
one-fourth of an inch long, and there being on a 
square inch of the palm of the hand 3528 pores, 
there is on one square inch a length of tube equal 
to 882 inches, or 73J feet. He takes 2800 as an 
average of the pores on a square inch of the whole 
surface. The number of square inches of surface 
in a man of ordinary size is 2500 ; the number of 
pores, therefore, 7,000,000, and the number of inches 
of perspiratory tube 1,750,000, or nearly 28 miles. 

In a healthy condition of the body, perspiration, 
though not perceptible, is nevertheless always pro- 
gressing, and this is styled insensible perspiration ; 
but from increased exertion or the exaltation of tem- 
perature by any means, it becomes sensible, and fre- 
quently copious. 

There are two functions performed by perspira- 
tion — one, to regulate the temperature, and the 
other, to remove from the system noxious com- 
pounds. It is estimated that 8 grains of perspira- 
tion are exhaled by the skin in a minute, equal to 
33 ounces in 24 hours — about 1000 lbs. in a year. 



208 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

An analysis of one hundred parts of the solid 
matter of perspiration gave the following results : 
Osmazone combined with common salt, 48 parts. 
Lactic acid salts, with osmazone, - 29 " 
Animal matter, with vitriolic salts, -' 21 " 
Calcareous salts, - - - 2 " 



100 



To these may be added carbonic acid gas, am- 
monia and iron, and, in rare instances, copper. 

When perspiration is checked, the whole weight 
of separating these matters falls upon the liver, 
kidneys and lungs — a task to which they cannot 
long be subjected without inducing disease in one 
or all. 

The skin performs yet another function — that of 
absorption, by which fluid substances are taken into 
the circulation. It is proper to bear this also in 
mind, since we will find that in bathing no incon- 
siderable portion of mineral water may thus be in- 
troduced into the system. 

Besides the perspiratory tubes, there are oil tubes 
and glands for secreting an unctuous fluid or seba- 
ceous substance for lubricating the skin, and giving 
it softness and brilliancy. 

Passing over, for the present, the effects of food, 
exercise and clothing on the skin, I proceed to the 
effect of bathing and ablution as si hygienic agent. 



THE SKIN. 209 

From the sketch that has been given of the scarf 
skin, it is readily understood that it is liable to have 
incrustations formed upon it by the matter per- 
spired, the product of the oil-glands and the aggre- 
gated dirt from the atmosphere. If these remain, 
the pores will be closed, perspiration obstructed, 
and all the proper functions of the skin suspended, 
and, as I have already observed, an undue and un- 
natural action will fall upon the internal organs. 
They must imperfectly eliminate the poisonous sub- 
stances thrown back upon them ; and the almost in- 
evitable consequence will be, that the w T eak organ 
will give evidences of disease, and that consump- 
tion, renal or hepatic disease, or diarrhoea may su- 
pervene. 

Water and soap are the means by which we may 
get rid of those impurities, and they are both, for- 
tunately, within the reach of almost every one ; and 
for the purpose of mere ablution, a basin of water 
and a sponge or towel are all-sufficient. This 
should be practised at least once in 24 hours, and 
with a degree of temperature of the water varying^ 
according to circumstances, from tepid to cold. 
But this, which is well so far as it goes, is not suffi- 
cient for securing the hygienic advantages of bath- 
ing, and for these we must have recourse to more 
copious affusion. 

The most convenient and delightful method of 
domestic bathing is the shower bath. Modern im- 



210 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

provement enables a man to have the apparatus in 
his chamber or dressing-room, to which he may 
step directly from his bed, and be afterwards rub- 
bed dry before his fire in winter. In former times, 
it was not uncommon to have this fixture in a damp 
basement or out-house, and it may readily be ima- 
gined that as much injury as benefit was likely 
to accrue from its use^ If the person desirous to 
establish this habit will commence with tepid wa- 
ter, and gradually use a lower temperature until he 
reaches the cold, he will become so disciplined to 
the shock as scarcely to regard it, and the succeed- 
ing glow is so exhilarating and bracing, that he is 
rendered uncomfortable if by any chance he misses 
for a day its luxury. This I can affirm from my 
own experience. Whatever may be the mode of 
bathing, one consideration is all-important, and that 
is, the establishment of a prompt and vigorous re- 
action. 

This reaction is thus produced. When the sur- 
face is suddenly subjected to the shock of cold wa- 
ter, the capillaries contract, and throw the blood 
rapidly on the internal organs. The nervous sys- 
tem is stimulated and compels a vigorous action of 
the heart and arteries in sending it back to the sur- 
face, a glow follows, the skin looks red, the respi- 
ration is easy, the spirits are buoyant, and the whole 
man is invigorated. 

But if, on the contrary, goose-skin supervenes, 



THE SKIN. 211 

and chilliness and yawning succeed, and an uneasy 
respiration, and a sinking at the heart — then let the 
bather beware how he repeats the experiment. 

When these last symptoms appear, they indicate 
that the system is not in a suitable condition to bear 
the action of cold water — which may be o wing- 
either to diseased function or actual lesion of one or 
more organs. When the constitution is feeble, all 
extremes should be avoided ; and a bath too cold 
or too warm may do irremediable injury, while one 
carefully adapted to the powers of the system would 
refresh and invigorate it. 

Judicious advice, therefore, is of primary import- 
ance to the invalid in using the bath, either above 
or below the temperature of the surface of the body ; 
and it cannot be too earnestly impressed upon him, 
that he must regulate the time of remaining in the 
bath according to his physical energies. Five mi- 
nutes is time long enough for a feeble person, and 
few will be benefitted by remaining longer than 
fifteen minutes. To aid in reaction, the bather 
himself should work hard w r ith his towel, if he is 
able, while the attendant briskly rubs the feet and 
lower limbs perfectly dry. 

The temperate bath, ranging from 75 to 85°, and 
the tepid bath, from 85 to 95°, act as sedatives to 
the nervous system, diminishing the number of pul- 
sations of the heart, and disposing to sleep. 

The warm bath, ranging from 95 to 98°, accord- 



212 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

ing to the condition of the patient, may be sedative 
or stimulating. 

The hot bath, ranging from 98 to 106°, is deci- 
dedly stimulant. 

Having made all the necessary preliminary re- 
marks, I now enter on the consideration of the 
thermal waters, and shall begin with those known 
as the Warm Springs. 



WARM SPRINGS. 213 



CHAPTER XVI. 



WARM SPRINGS. 



These Springs are situated in a beautiful but 
narrow valley in the county of Bath, between two 
ranges of lofty mountains, running parallel from 
N. E. to S. W., lying about 170 miles nearly west 
from Richmond, and on the direct turnpike road 
leading through Staunton, and by the Hot and 
White Sulphur Springs, to Guyandotte on the Ohio 
river. 

The views from many points of the Warm 
Springs mountain, especially from the gap where 
the road crosses, and from the rock, 2700 feet above 
tide-water — are much celebrated for their grandeur. 

The rock is no less celebrated for a feat of horse- 
manship performed by the late and much-lamented 

Mrs. C n, who rode her spirited but docile horse 

to its summit, and in her saddle saluted the glo- 
rious orb of day emerging from the distant horizon. 
It is said that her daughter has recently performed 
the same hazardous exploit ; and I can well believe 
it, from the grace and skill with which she manages 
her steed. 



214 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

The grounds are broken in upon by the public 
road, which renders an ornamental and appropri- 
ate arrangement of them impracticable. Had it 
not been for this difficulty, and some others equally 
embarrassing, the correct taste of the proprietor 
would have rendered it all that it is capable of be- 
ing made. As matters are, he has shewn good taste 
in embellishing the place with rare and beautiful 
flowers and shrubbery. 

But there is a charm beyond landscape here — 
it is the charm of society, without which Paradise 
itself were a desert, of little interest, and less com- 
fort and happiness. What is isolated man ? If he 
has genius, it is unappreciated. If he has noble 
sentiments, they spring up only to be buried again 
in his own bosom. If he has lofty aspirations, they 
are but day-dreams, that vanish almost as soon as 
formed, and leave no fruit but regrets. His feelings 
become as contracted as his association, and even 
his patriotism is confined within the four walls that 
enclose himself. 

It is therefore not well for man to be alone, and 
at no time is cheerful society more desirable to him 
than as an invalid in pursuit of health. Nowhere 
in the mountains is society on a more agreeable 
footing than I observed it here. Dr. Brockenbrough, 
the proprietor, one of the best specimens of the 
" gentleman of the old school," and his venerable 
and elegant lady, reside at the Springs, and with 



WARM SPRINGS. 215 

their beautiful and fascinating grand-daughters, give 
tone and charm to the delightful association. 

Were I a poet, I would endeavor to portray the 
oldest of those lovely beings, as she descends the 
mountain of a bright summer morning, seated on 
her panting thorough-bred palfrey, after a long and 
rapid ride, her hair flowing down her shoulders and 
bedewed with liquid gems that fall from the trees, 
as she passes underneath their dense foliage. Or I 
would essay to describe her in the ball-room, with 
that hair combed up in the severest style of classi- 
cal simplicity. How few beads could bear such a 
test ! It is the style of Mrs. Siddons in the cha- 
racter of the " Tragic Muse," and no brow but one 
beaming with intellect dare assume it. 

The younger, I was informed by a lady* was the 
Naiad of the fountain, disporting in its lucid waters, 
and dazzling the eyes of the beholder. 

"Then to the flood she rushed; the parted flood 
Its lovely guest with closing waves received. 
And every beauty softening, every grace 
Flushing anew, a mellow lustre shed; 
As shines the lily through the opal mild ; 
Or as the rose amid the morning dew, 
Fresh from Aurora's hand more sweetly glows." 

But there was one yet — Mrs. R., whose manners 
seemed to fascinate all who approached her. She 
sung with much feeling and expression, and I was 
especially pleased with her " Home." By the way, 



216 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

her sailor had just returned from a long cruise, and 
I can imagine that this circumstance detracted 
nothing from her appreciation of the sentiment of 
that beautiful song. 

Such are the domestic materials — the nucleus, as 
it were, of society at the Warm Springs. 

These Springs have long been famed for their 
mineral and medicinal qualities, having been resorted 
to by invalids from the tide-water country for se- 
venty years past. The land was patented to the 
enterprising Leivis family, by Governor Fauquier, 
in the year 1760. Some years elapsed thereafter 
before there was even a wagon road over the Warm 
Springs mountain. The traces of a warehouse are 
still visible at the eastern base of the mountain, 
where the wagons were unloaded, and their con- 
tents transferred to pack-horses, and distributed 
throughout the Western country, this side of the 
Ohio river. 

Many tales are related by the older inhabitants of 
this part of the country, of the discovery and use 
made of those waters by the Indians. One of the 
most beautiful is the following legend given to Mr. 
Otis of Boston, as derived from the old bath-keeper, 
and extracted from his article in the Southern Lite- 
rary Messenger of March 1838 : 

" A young Indian, more than two centuries ago, 
was coming from the Western valley of the great 
Appalachian mountains, towards the waters of the 



WARM SPRINGS. 217 

East, that opened into the beautiful bay whose 
branches touch the strands of some of the mightiest 
marts of a nation that was not then in existence. 
He had never trodden that path before, and nothing 
but pride of youth, which would not brook that his 
brethren of other tribes should triumph over him as 
their inferior in adventure, had sustained his manly 
heart so far ; for he had come, since the rising sun 
first touched that day the mighty peaks of the Al- 
leghanies, from the vales that lay at their feet on the 
West. He was going to carry the voice and vote 
of a powerful nation to the council-fire that was 
kindling on the banks of the great water, and he 
felt shame at the recurrence of the idea that the 
place of the young Appalachian Leopard could be 
vacant. But the night winds beat coldly around 
him, and the way was dark. There had been rains, 
and the earth was damp and swampy; and no 
grass, or fern, or heather, was at hand with which 
to make a bed in the bosom of the valley where he 
stood. He had not strength to climb the near range 
of mountains that drew up their summits before, as 
if to shut out all hopes that he could accomplish 
his ardent desire. Weary, dispirited, and ready to 
despair, he came suddenly upon an open space 
among the low underwood that covered the valley 
where he was wandering, and upon looking nar- 
rowly he observed that it was filled with water. 
He could see the clear reflection of the bright even- 
10 



218 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

ing star that was just declining to her rest, and that 
was peeping into the fountain, 

? Like a bride full of blushes, just lingering to take 
A last look in her mirror, at night, ere she goes.' 

" By this translucent reflection, he could perceive 
that the water was clear, and its depth he could 
discern by the pebbles that glistened in the star-light 
from the bottom. He saw, too, that the water was 
continually flowing off, and supplying a stream that 
ran rippling away among the roots of the oaks that 
surrounded the spot ; and as he stooped to taste the 
liquid element, he found it warm, as if inviting him 
to relax his chilled limbs by bathing in its tepid bo- 
som. 

" He laid aside his bow and quiver, unstrung his 
pouch from his brawny shoulder, took off his moc- 
casins, and plunged in. A new life invigorated his 
wearied spirit ; new strength seemed given to his 
almost rigid nerves ; he swam, he dived, he lay 
prostrate upon the genial waves in a sort of dream- 
ing ecstacy of delight ; and when the first dawn of 
day broke over the rock-crowned hill, at the foot of 
which the Spring of Strength lay enshrined, the 
young Leopard came forth from his watery couch, 
and strode proudly up the mountain ' where path 
there was none.' 

"He was a 'young giant rejoicing to run his 



WARM SPRINGS. 219 

Full of new fire and vigor, he manfully 
sped his way; and upon the eve of that day, when 
the chiefs and the sons of chiefs were seated around 
the solemn council-fire, no one of them all was 
found more graceful in address, more command- 
ing in manner, more pleasing in look, and sagacious 
in policy, than the young Appalachian Leopard who 
bathed in the ' Spring of Strength.'" 

"With regard to the use of the baths at the Warm 
Springs, it may be safely remarked, that the plea- 
sure and voluptuousness of bathing in them are 
such as, in a great measure, to supersede the idea 
of their more valuable properties as medicinal wa- 
ters ; on the principle, perhaps, that remedies grate- 
ful to the palate are never so efficacious to the pa- 
tient as those which are more nauseous. It is not 
pretended that these waters act as a panacea in all 
cases, or that they may not be injudiciously used, 
but many cases might be cited in which the Warm 
Springs bath, especially when resorted to for some 
weeks, and aided by the internal use of the water, 
has been attended with the happiest effects. 

In dyspepsia of long standing, there have been 
some remarkable instances of permanent cure from 
a daily bath and half a dozen glasses of water 
drunk at the fountain, when persisted in for six or 
seven weeks. 

In chronic rheumatism and paralytic affections, simi- 
lar effects have been produced by the same course; 



220 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

but it is the misfortune of those who labor under 
chronic diseases, that they are prone to expect re- 
lief in a short time, and become impatient under 
those slow and alterative remedies that can alone 
restore them to health. Such complaints, in nine 
cases out of ten, yield only to a judicious course of 
treatment, long persisted in. There is no remedy 
yet discovered by the medical faculty, which will 
at once cure them ; and it is no rash opinion that the 
Warm Spring bath, with the water taken internal- 
ly, assisted by proper regimen, moderate exercise 
and pure air, will have more efficacy in many chro- 
nic diseases than all the drugs that can be pre- 
scribed by the faculty. The temperature of these 
medicinal waters affords a gentle stimulus to the 
surface, and causes it to cast off its impurities, while 
it disposes the skin to absorb a certain portion of 
the fluid, with the substances held in solution by 
it. This, in itself, is of great benefit to the invalid, 
while to a person in health, the most pleasurable 
and soothing sensations are excited, particularly 
when friction is employed on coming out of the 
bath. 

The following analysis of the water of the Warm 
Springs was made in the year 1835, by Professor 
Rogers, of the University of Virginia, and is, doubt- 
less, very nearly correct : 

" The large bath is an octagon, 38 feet in diame- 
ter ; its area is 1163.77 feet. The ordinary depth 



WARM SPRINGS. 221 

being five feet," (it can be increased to six ;) " the 
cubic capacity is 5818.86 feet, or 43,532.32 gallons; 
notwithstanding the leaks, this quantity of water 
will flow into the reservoir in one hour. The ave- 
rage temperature of the bath is 98 degrees Fahren- 
heit. 

" The gas which rises in the bath consistsof nitro- 
gen, with minute quantities of sulphuretted hydro- 
gen and carbonic acid. Besides this gas, each gal- 
lon of water contains 4.5 cubic inches of gas, con- 
sisting of — 

Nitrogen, - - 3.25 cubic inches. 

Sulphur, hydrogen, - 0.25 do. 

Carbonic acid, - 1.00 do. 

" The saline contents of one gallon of the water 
are as follows : 
Muriate of lime, 

Sulphate of magnesia, (Epsom salts,) 
Carbonate of lime, 
Sulphate of lime, 
And a trace of soda, 



From this account it appears that these waters 
contain neutral salts and various gases, which act 
as a gentle aperient, diuretic and diaphoretic. The 
large proportion of Epsom salts (nearly one-half) 
is not only ascertained by analysis, but by the for- 



3.968 


9.984 


4.288 


5.466 


0.000 


23.706 



222 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

mation of the beautiful ciystals from the spray, 
as the water falls over the flood-gate. This salt, 
doubtless, gives the water its aperient quality, while 
the carbonic acid and sulphuretted hydrogen give 
tone and vigor to the stomach. In Europe it is 
found that the tepid waters tend more to strengthen 
the digestive organs than those of a low tempera- 
ture, more especially in gouty patients ; but the 
Warm Spring loses nothing of its aperient quality 
by being cooled in closely-stopped bottles, and it 
becomes more palatable to many by that process. 

With regard to bathing, some precautions are ne- 
cessary and proper. No person in a high fever, or 
under a high inflammatory diathesis, should use the 
bath ; when the inflammatory symptoms have been 
reduced by evacuants and depletion, he can resort 
to it with advantage, and will find it to soothe him. 
From experience it has been ascertained that it is 
injudicious to go into the bath after a full meal. In 
the morning, before breakfast, when the stomach is 
empty, or an hour before dinner, is the best time 
to bathe. Some persons prefer taking the bath just 
before going to bed, and it generally produces a 
gentle perspiration, followed by refreshing sleep, if 
none or a very light supper has been taken. 

Besides the large octagonal bath, there has lately 
been erected a " Lady's Bath," neatly furnished 
and of equal depth, and there is now also a " Spout 
Bath." The " Drinking Spring" is also beautifully 



WARM SPRINGS. 223 

Improved and inviting. It is situated between the 
two great " Baths." I regret to perceive that the 
Chalybeate Spring, which formerly was seen here, 
has disappeared. It no doubt sunk through the 
porous earth, and having been a feeble stream, was 
lost in the great volume of the adjacent waters. 

Dr. Brockenbrough is entitled to the entire credit 
of another addition to the bathing advantages of 
this establishment. Alongside the gentlemen's bath, 
and as a wing to the building, he has erected a room 
containing a cold plunging bath, which is plenti- 
fully supplied with spring water from the neighbor- 
ing hills. This enables the bather to use the Rus- 
sian plan. After spending some 15 or 20 minutes 
in the warm pool, enjoying a luxury similar to that 
so eloquently described by Dr. Granville, the bather 
ascends a flight of steps and plunges into the cold 
reservoir, of a temperature ranging from 60 to 70°. 
As may be supposed, the shock is great, but the re- 
action is prompt, energetic and decided. I say 
this from personal experience ; but, nevertheless, I 
would not advise a person of feeble or exhausted 
constitution to use it. Above all, it should not be 
attempted by a patient suffering from any internal 
organic disease. 

The flow of water from the Spring and baths is 
estimated at six thousand gallons a minute, and 
forms a stream sufficient to drive the wheel of a 
large mill. 



224 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

The bath in Europe to which the Warm Spring 
is most similar is Wildbad ; I therefore extract from 
Dr. Granville's work on the German Spa, some pas- 
sages that may interest and benefit the visiter of the 
former: 

" After descending a few steps from the dressing- 
room into the bath-room, I walked over the warm, 
soft sand to the farthest end of the bath, and then 
laid myself down near the principal Spring, resting 
my head on a clean wooden pillow. The soothing 
effect of the water, as it came over me up to the 
throat, transparent like the brightest gem or aqua- 
marine, soft, genially warm, and gently murmuring, 
I shall never forget. Millions of bubbles of gas 
rose from the sand, and played around me, quiver- 
ing through the lucid water as they ascended, and 
bursting at the surface, to be succeeded by others. 
The sensation produced by these, as many of them, 
with their tremulous motion, just effleuraie?it the sur- 
face of the body, like the much-vaunted titillation 
in animal magnetism, is not to be described. It 
partakes at once of tranquillity and exhilaration — 
of the ecstatic state of a devotee, blended with the 
repose of an opium-eater. The head is calm, the 
heart is calm, every sense is calm ; yet there is nei- 
ther drowsiness, stupefaction nor numbness ; for 
every feeling is freshened, and the memory of world- 
ly pleasures keen and sharp. But the operations 
of the moral as well as the physical man are under 



WARM SPRINGS. 225 

the spell of some powerfully tranquillizing agent. 
It is the human tempest lulled into all the delicious 
playings of the ocean's after-waves. From such a 
position I willingly would never have stirred. To 
prolong its delicious effects, what would I not have 
given ? But the Bad-meister appeared at the top of 
the steps of the farthest door, and warned me to 
eschew the danger of my situation; for there is 
danger even in such pleasures as these, if greatly 
prolonged. 

" The temperature of the water at Wildbad is its 
chief and predominant merit. This has continued 
the same throughout a long succession of years ; 
and I confess, at once, that I am led, after mature 
consideration of the subject, both in this case and 
in the cases of all the Warm Mineral Springs I 
have visited, to ascribe to temperature the principal 
effects which the water produces on the human con- 
stitution. But it is not the thermometrical tempera- 
ture to which I allude, when I proclaim such an 
opinion ; it is to the caloricity of the water, which 
is not to be measured by Reaumur or Fahrenheit ; 
a principle imparted by nature to the Springs in 
question, from sources which as yet have escaped 
detection, but which, at no distant period, will pro- 
bably be found connected with electrical forces, 
and therefore not appreciable by our ordinary in- 
strumer'? of thermometrical mensuration. Here, 
at Wildbad, the range of temperature in the water, 
10* 



226 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

according to Fahrenheit, is the same as that which 
has been assigned as the range of heat in the hu- 
man body, when in its healthy state. On the wa- 
ter, therefore, being applied to the human body, the 
sensations produced are as agreeable as when we 
enter a bath of ordinary water, charged with jthe 
same degree of heat. But there comparison termi- 
nates, and all the delightful sensations produced by 
the mineral bath are looked for in vain in the ordi- 
nary bath. Why so ? 

" This very circumstance, of the Wildbad water 
being naturally of that degree of heat which is 
best suited to the human body, renders it prefer- 
able to those warm springs which require either 
spontaneous refrigeration or the mixture of cold 
water, previously to their being employed, as at 
Wiesbaden, Baden Baden, Gastein, Toeplitz and 
Carlsbad. It is preferable because the patient ac- 
tually bathes in the very stream as it rises from the 
earth, and catches the proffered boon of nature at 
its birth. In fact he bathes in a natural warm river. 
How inferior to this must be a tub or slipper bath, 
into which the warm water, previously fashioned 
into a right degree of heat, is conveyed through 
pipes and from reservoirs ! But there is, in my 
estimation, a still greater superiority on the side of 
the Wildbad Spring, as a salutary bath, over every 
other — no matter how well managed the latter be ; 
and that is, the simple fact that, whereas in all the 



WARM SPRINGS. 227 

other baths the temperature of the water in which 
the patient is immersed, must and does progres- 
sively diminish, in the course of the hour, or half 
hour even, during which the operation of bathing 
lasts — that of the Wildbad bath is uninterruptedly 
the same, for the water continues in its never-vary- 
ing natural condition. 

" Yet, with all these striking advantages of the 
Wildbad water, would it be credited that some 
over-nice, over-scrupulous invalids (I need not re- 
peat which was the country named to me as that 
whence they came,) have preferred bathing in tubs, 
and have had such contrivances purposely con- 
structed for their use ? As my facetious informant 
observed at the time — ' A bath of this kind cannot 
be called a bath in the Wildbad, but only a bath in 
a tub of Wildbad water.' 

" The bathing together, when that can be done 
under circumstances so favorable as at Wildbad, 
and with the decorum which is there observed, is a 
source of entertainment conducive to health. Peo- 
ple talk of the effect of baths, either from what they 
have heard, or from their own experience ; and the 
sick receive fresh spirits from hearing others descant 
on the good result produced by the water upon 
themselves. The bathing together in this natural 
river-head, and the bathing in slippers or tubs, are 
to each other, in point of health, as a walk with a 
pleasant companion in the open air is to sitting in 
a locked-up chamber. 



228 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

" The Wildbad waters are often taken internally, 
in conjunction with the baths. They have no other 
sensible effect than to increase transpiration and the 
action of the kidneys. While using the baths for 
any arthritic complaint, a considerable sediment 
is observed in the increased secretion of those or- 
gans. In obstinate gouty and rheumatic complaints, 
lameness, contraction of limbs, partial paralytic af- 
fections and loss of power in the lower extremities, 
the effects of the Wildbad baths have been sur- 
prising, and have been known for centuries. On 
these points I conversed with and interrogated se- 
veral of the visiters whom I happened to meet at 
the hotel I resided in, and whom I always found 
ready to enter into their cases, when I announced 
tayself to them as a physician. Their testimony, 
and the reference to their own cases, were quite 
conclusive. 

" After the very first time of using the Wildbad, 
the sleep at night becomes more tranquil, although 
an agreeable listlessness is experienced by day, 
which is followed by a lively motion of the mus- 
cles. Dr. Kerner, who is an excellent authority in 
respect to the Wildbad Spa, is loud in his praises 
of the bath, as a most powerful agent in removing 
particular obstructions accompanied by chlorosis or 
green sickness. He contends that it brings the blood 
into a more brisk circulation, and gives to it the ne- 
cessary degree of fluidity. For the same reason he 



WARM SPRINGS. 229 

warns such as are subject to a flux of blood from 
the bowels, or spitting of blood, or are prone to 
abortion, to abstain from these baths ; many patients 
of that class have been sacrificed to the improper 
recommendation of the Wildbad, by physicians ig- 
norant of its real power. 

" In many obstinate diseases of the skin, in drop- 
sies caused by repressed eruptions or indurated 
liver, and in all diseases brought on by checked 
perspiration, the use of the Wildbad cannot be 
too strongly commended. * They serve, indeed, 
(concludes Dr. Kerner,) almost to make the old 
young again ; while younger persons, who have be- 
come prematurely old, owing to exhaustion, and 
those who are exhausted by close application and 
incessant fatigue, rise out of these baths with new 
strength and youth. They are, on the other hand, 
injurious in feverish conditions of the body, and in 
dropsies arising from inflammation brought on by 
chronic derangement, or stoppages of the circula- 
tion, owing to a disorganization of one or more of 
the important viscera ; and they should never be 
used merely in sport by the blooming youth of 
either sex.' 

" The late inspector of the Wildbad baths, Dr. 
Kaiser, used to relate the case of a Darmstadt offi- 
cer, a Monsieur Berchthold, twenty-six years of 
age, who had become perfectly lame in consequence 
of a fall, which had produced an affection of the 



230 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

right hip, the precise nature of which was never as- 
certained. Four months after the accident, being 
able to walk without crutches, but always with 
the most violent pain, he was sent to Wiesbaden, 
whence he returned without the slightest improve- 
ment. For five months he could not tread upon 
his heel; and when, thirteen months after the fall, 
he w r as able to do so, it caused him the most dread- 
ful sufferings; so that at every step his head was 
drawn down almost to his hip. In this pitiable and. 
distressed condition he went to Wildbad. The 
first bath had no effect upon him ; the second caused 
him some pain in the region of the loins ; the third 
increased the pain ; but the seventh he was unable 
to endure — so excessive was the pain it caused. 
He was taken out of the bath and placed in bed. 
When he had been there but a few minutes, he 
felt an indescribable, painful sense of coldness in 
the impaired limb, which was followed by a copi- 
ous warm perspiration, particularly around the hips. 
He now found that he could move his foot freely ; 
and after resting in bed for an hour, he was able to 
leave it without a stick, and free from pain. Herr 
Berchthold now walks as straight and upright as if 
nothing had happened. 

"None should be deterred from the further use of 
these baths because old pains are, at first, revived 
by them ; for such is a sign that the water is acting 
upon the diseased parts. The smallest scars, which 



WARM SPRINGS. 231 

can often be scarcely perceived, or old cuts in the 
finger, which have long been forgotten, begin to 
smart and revive during the use of these baths. 
Very often pains like these, which are frequently 
severe, and often aggravations of the disease, are 
tokens of the beginning of a cure." 

* " It is to be remembered that a majority of the 
bathers experience the l reaction fever' (fievre de re- 
action) in the course of treatment. The period of 
its occurrence is uncertain, and. often it is so slight 
as to pass almost unobserved by the patient. This, 
however, is the critical moment precursory of a 
cure. This state of irritation seldom lasts more 
than a few days, and generally disappears without 
any internal medicine. This reaction is precisely 
that which ought to inspire the greatest hopes in the 
patient, as it announces a change in his constitution 
and a victory over his malady. The disagreeable 
sensations, however, which he feels, often put him out 
of humor with the baths, especially if old pains and 
discomforts, that had ceased, now re-appear, which 
they often do. He becomes impatient and morose 
when he is revisited by rheumatic pains, neuralgia, 
gout, haemorrhoids, &c, which he had thought to be 
extinct. Such reaction, however, is indispensable 
towards the victory of nature and the baths over 
the disease for which they were employed. The 
waters of Wildbad, indeed, are remarkable for this 

*Johnson, 



232 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

re-production of old disorders, at the moment they 
are eradicating the more recent ones. 

" It is to be remarked, that it is not in all persons 
that the reaction above alluded to takes place. In 
many there is a gradual amelioration of health, 
without any perturbation of the constitution, and 
only marked by an increased action in the functions 
of the skin and kidneys — sometimes of the bowels. 

" On the other hand, (says Professor Hiern) where 
the malady is obstinate, there is a greater struggle 
in the constitution, attended with considerable fe- 
ver, disorder of the secretions, irritation of the ner- 
vous system, full pulse, restless nights, distressing 
dreams, loss of appetite, dry hot skin, occasional 
hemorrhoidal discharges, purging, gouty attacks, 
cutaneous eruptions, &c, which precede a restora- 
tion to health. 

" These are trials which require the fortitude of 
the patient and the vigilance of the physician., It 
is not to be wondered at, that, when they occur in 
the stranger, and especially in the English invalid, 
who has little confidence in the foreign practitioner, 
and finds himself ill in a secluded valley like that 
of Wildbad, great alarm should be produced and 
much prejudice raised against the baths and wa- 
ters of the place. The worst of it is, that a simi- 
lar train of disorders may arise from an injudicious 
use of the baths, and where no salutary crisis is the 
result. 



WARM SPRINGS. 233 

" Cutaneous eruptions are frequent consequences 
of the Wild bad waters, and are considered salu- 
tary. The kidneys, next to the skin, shew the 
greatest sensibility to the action of these waters. 
In some people (especially where the waters are 
drunk as well as bathed in) a most copious and 
clear secretion is produced ; but this is seldom a 
critical or salutary discharge. It is when the se- 
cretion from the kidneys is deep-colored, sedimen- 
tous, and exhaling a peculiar odor, especially in 
gouty subjects, that benefit may be confidently an- 
ticipated. The bowels are seldom acted on by 
these waters — more frequently, indeed, constipation 
is the result, requiring aperient medicine, both be- 
fore and during the course. The haemorrhoidal 
and monthly periods are promoted by the waters, 
thus relieving plethoric fulness of the abdominal 
organs." 

I have given these copious extracts from the two 
most distinguished authorities on the waters of 
Wildbad, because they are almost strictly applica- 
ble to this celebrated Spring, and because relief 
may be expected in the same class of diseases, and 
similar precautions should be observed in their use. 

A man may trifle, in some degree, with drinking 
mineral waters ; but bathing in them is a very dif- 
ferent thing. "With regard to the temperature, it is 
very true that a plain bath of 96° may be consi- 
dered a sedative, soothing and calming the system ; 



234 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

but when the water is charged with saline matter 
and active gases, it becomes a powerful stimulant 
to the sentient extremities of the cutaneous nerves, 
and that stimulus is extended to the arterial sys- 
tem, and lungs, liver, heart, brain — -all feel the im- 
petus. Now there are many constitutions that 
would be overpowered by such a state of excite- 
ment, and the consequence would almost inevitably 
be the engorgement of some important organ, which 
might directly lead to the lesion of its structure. It 
is for this reason that I feel bound to caution patients 
against too much belief in what Dr. Johnson calls 
" reaction fever." 

When such a fever, or any other unpleasant symp- 
toms supervene, it will be more prudent to abstain 
from the bath, to open the bowels freely, and to see 
that the tongue is clean and an index of a favorable 
condition of the alimentary canal, and then to re- 
turn again cautiously to the water. These crises 
are things not always to be recognised, and if mis- 
taken for actual disagreement of the waters, may 
do incalculable mischief. 1 can say, at least, that 
I have never seen any decided case of such fever 
when the water was performing its appropriate func- 
tion in the restoration of the invalid, and that I can 
assent to the Bad-Sturm only so far as to acknow- 
ledge that in gout and rheumatism, and in gun-shot 
wounds, and in perhaps many other conditions of 
the muscular tissue, an aggravation of pain may 






WARM SPRINGS. 235 

precede a cure, and in affections of the glands and 
mucous membrane an increased secretion and dis- 
charge of morbid matter is indispensable. 

As from the waters of Wildbad, so from the 
Warm Springs may relief be obtained in the fol- 
lowing diseases : Chronic rheumatism and gout, and 
many diseases resulting from their latent existence ; 
affections of the spinal marrow, and its conse- 
quences, paralysis, hemiplegia, following suppressed 
evacuations from haemorrhoids or uterine derange- 
ments, or metastasis of gout or rheumatism, or poi- 
sons — such as fumes of lead — may be relieved, but 
plethoric persons should be cautious in their use. 
Affections of the joints, lumbago, sciatica, contrac- 
tions and morbid conditions of the bones, ought to 
be benefited. 

The whole class of cutaneous diseases, such as 
herpes, chronic pemphigus, urticaria, acne, pity- 
riasis, are the diseases in which much benefit might 
reasonably be expected from the water, and per- 
haps, more from this than any other, in consequence 
of the sulphuretted hydrogen it contains. Scrofula, 
and glandular affections generally, may be relieved, 
and in order to promote this result, it might be well 
to use at the same time the water internally, and 
to combine with it the water of the Alum Spring in 
the vicinity. 

It does appear to me that a spirit of mutual ac- 
commodation on the part of these establishments 



236 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

towards the visiters of each, maybe made produc- 
tive of great advantage to both. It is a beautiful and 
interesting drive over the Warm Spring mountain, 
and one or two omnibuses at a moderate charge, 
would be kept constantly in demand during the sea- 
son. The suggestion is thrown out for what it is 
worth. 

The counter-indications, or diseases not bene- 
fited but aggravated, are : Plethora, tendency to 
apoplexy, to haemorrhage of any kind, or inflamma- 
tions of any of the internal organs, debility, ca- 
tarrh of the kidneys or bladder, chronic diarrhoea, 
diabetes, internal abscess, phthisis, dropsies, scir- 
rhus or cancer, biliary and urinary calculi, organic 
disease of the heart, varicose veins, hypochondri- 
asis and hysteria, with debility, idiopathic epileps}^, 
chorea, monomania, insanity. 

Women with the catamenia, or in a state of preg- 
nancy, should be forbidden to bathe in this or any 
of the mineral baths of this region. 

In closing my notice of the Warm Springs, it is 
gratifying to me to be able to bear testimony to the 
comfortable accommodation prepared for guests. 
It is limited, not being more than sufficient for 
about 130 persons ; but, for its extent, it is fully 
equal to any other establishment in the mountains. 
The man would be indeed unreasonable, who would 
not be content with the fare and attendance at this 
place. 



HOT SPRINGS. 237 



CHAPTER XVII. 



HOT SPRINGS. 



The Hot Springs, the property of Dr. Thomas 
Goode, are situated in Bath county, five miles west 
of the Warm Springs, at the intersection of two 
narrow valleys or gorges formed by the adjacent 
mountains. 

There is nothing very remarkable in the natural 
scenery, and no attempt has been made to beautify 
it by art. It is, nevertheless, capable of great im- 
provement. To appreciate this capacity it is ne- 
cessary to see it from different points of view, an 
advantage that may be easily obtained by ascend- 
ing the pretty hills that encompass it. The public 
road now runs through the valley and spoils it ; but 
as all the land is owned by the same proprietor, it 
could be so changed as to obviate this unseem- 
liness. 

The accommodations for guests consist of a 
frame building, some 200 feet long, and two stories 
high. In this there is a neat parlor, dining-room, 
bar-room, and numerous chambers. It has a por- 



238 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

tico running the whole length, which affords a plea- 
sant promenade and place for lounging. Along the 
road are several cabins, some of wood, and others 
brick ; and in the bottom of the valley, near the 
baths, are also several cabins of the same character. 
They are all very comfortable, the greatest draw- 
back being their distance from the dining-room. 
The ascent from the baths and lower cabins, being 
about 40 feet, is trying to a lame or feeble person, 
and indeed there are many who should not encoun- 
ter it, if it may possibly be avoided. 

All the buildings here will accommodate about 
120 persons with tolerable comfort, and I believe 
140 have been taken in. 

As regards the fare at the Hot Springs, I feel that 
I should not be doing justice, were I not to declare 
that it is excellent. No man, at his private table, 
can have finer bread ; the pastry is also very fine ; 
the milk is rich, the tea and coffee very good ; the 
meats are good and well cooked ; the table is neat; 
the knives and forks clean. In fine, economy and 
good management are very perceptible in all the 
household arrangements. 

The visiters being for a great part invalids, there 
is but little gaiety ; yet there are but few who com- 
plain of ennui. 

The baths — six in number — are in a line extend- 
ing from east to west about three hundred yards, 
and on the edge of a flat separated by a stream of 



HOT SPRINGS. 239 

water from the still lower marshy ground in its 
rear. 

The hot pool, or boiler, as it is usually termed, 
(106° Fahrenheit,) is the most easterly in the range. 
It is covered by a very large and badly contrived 
frame house, having a partition running longitudi- 
nally through it, which extends through the pool 
and forms separate baths and sweat-rooms for 
ladies and gentlemen. Next to this is a small cabin 
containing a foot-bath, pro bono publico — then the 
Ladies' Hot Spout Bath, (106° Fahrenheit,) into 
which runs a large douche through a bored log, with 
a fall of about 5£ feet. Attached to this is a sort 
of ante-room and two or three dressing-rooms. Next 
comes the Gentlemen's Hot Spout, of equal tem- 
perature, and in every respect similar to the La- 
dies' Bath. Passing by a range of cabins, you next 
reach a hexagon or octagon building containing a 
very fine pool, which, however, is now kept closed, 
and the water convej^ed by pipes into a lower build- 
ing, into which it flows by two beautiful spouts, and 
at a temperature of 100° F. 

Bathing in common, not being practised here, 
when the maximum company of the season is in 
attendance, there is some delay and difficulty in 
getting a bath at those hours usually preferred— 
from 11 A. M. to 2 P. M. Ladies and gentlemen 
have frequently to wait in the ante-room and take 
their turn. This is more especially the case at the 



240 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Hot Spouts, which are the baths in most demand. 
Nature has been, in an extraordinary degree, boun- 
tiful in the article of water at this place* Instead 
of six baths, with a proper arrangement, and very 
little more cost than has been expended on the pre- 
sent buildings, there might have been a range of 
bathing accommodation, extending from one ex- 
treme to the other, containing 50 baths of all tem- 
peratures from 54 to 106° — swimming, plunging, 
douche, shower— to suit the fancies or necessities of 
all. 

It is really a pity that such advantages should 
be comparatively lost, when we consider the vast 
amount of good that might accrue to a very large 
class of invalids from the extension of boarding and 
bathing accommodations at this place. I feel per- 
fectly satisfied, that if the Hot Springs were so im- 
proved as to take in 300 boarders, with all the ap- 
purtenances of comfort and convenience, it would 
average that number for three months— say from 
the 15th of June to the 15th of September. 

Last summer I saw the foundation of a large 
swimming bath, 18 feet square, which I was told 
would be completed by the next season. It is in- 
tended, I understand, that the temperature shall be 
about 76°. Such a bath would be a great acquisi- 
tion. At this place shower-baths may also be ar- 
ranged with little additional cost. As the facilities 
for travel progress towards all those Springs, they 



HOT SPRINGS. 241 

will attract more and more of public attention, and 
in a few years, where there are now hundreds, there 
will probably then be thousands. 

On a former occasion, I took views relative to 
the Hot Springs similar to those now expressed. I 
was misunderstood by the proprietor, and looked 
upon as endorsing ill-natured charges against him. 
I had no such intention. My whole object in any 
allusion I made to his administration of his esta- 
blishment, was, to bring into prominent view its ca- 
pability of extension, and the benefits that would 
result to invalids from placing it in the best situa- 
tion to promote their comfort and restoration to 
health. It gives me pleasure to have an opportu- 
nity of making this public disavowal of a purpose 
ascribed to me on the appearance of the second 
edition of my former work. 

I have in my possession several letters furnished 
me by Dr. Goode, which he has at various times 
received from visiters and patients, all of which are 
couched in the kindest terms of gratitude for his 
attentions and skilful treatment. It is not deemed 
necessary to embody them in this book, and I only 
allude to the subject at all. because I have been 
mixed up with the idle gossip that has annoyed 
and perhaps temporarily injured that respectable 
gentleman. 

I now pass on to the consideration of the virtues 
of the Hot Springs as curative agents, and I trust 
11 



242 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

that I shall be able to advance some views calcu- 
lated to benefit those who may honor them with 
their consideration. 

The following is the analysis as given by Profes- 
sor Wm. B. Rogers : 

Hot Springs. — The free gas in boiler contained in 
100 cubic inches : 

Nitrogen, 1.16; oxygen, 0.20; total, 7.40.* 
There is also a trace of hydrogen in the water, 
but not a sufficient quantity to admit of determina- 
tion. 

The saline ingredients in 64 cubic inches are as 
follows : 

Carbonate of lime, - - 4.82 grs. 

Sulphate of lime, - - 1.52 

Sulphate of soda, - - 0.92 

Sulphate of magnesia, - 0.57 

Muriate of soda, - - 0.57 

Silica, - 0.05 



Total, - 8.25 

This analysis is by no means satisfactory, yet it 
is the best I can at this time command. Fortunately-, 
however, we have the benefit of a long experience 
in the use of this water to guide us. The present 
proprietor — a respectable and skilful physician — has 

* I confess I do not understand this, and suppose there is some error in the 
expression of it 



HOT SPRINGS. 243 

resided here about 20 years, in which time he has 
had unusual advantages in observing the agenc} 7 of 
these waters in a vast number of cases. He has 
been industrious in noting many of the most im- 
portant, and after having them duly certified by the 
patients, has published them in a little pamphlet, to 
be found at his establishment. T shall avail myself 
of some of them for the purpose of fortifying the 
opinions I express relative to the action of the 
waters. 

If, as I had occasion to remark of the Warm 
Springs, a mineral water of a temperature of 
the human surface be a stimulant, so much more 
may this be looked for in a water of a temperature 
considerably above that point. We may then 
assume that such is the character of the Hot 
Springs, and that this is the principle on which it 
acts. If tranquilization subsequently occurs, as 
surely it will, if the experiment succeed, it will be 
because the organs involved have been restored to 
a normal function by the antecedent stimulation. 
Accordingly, we find that while these waters are 
useful in torpid conditions of the system, they are 
to be avoided in all forms of disease tending to the 
acute. 

On the subjects connected with the use of thermal 
waters, there are many useful observations and sug- 
gestions in the works of Drs. Granville and John- 
son, from whom I have already made extracts, and 



244 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

in a book published by Dr. Peez, resident phj^sician 
at Wiesbaden. The latter, indeed, is an enthusiast, 
and in some degree resembles the puffer of a quack 
nostrum ; but we may gather many valuable hints 
from the bombast in which he involves his undoubted 
learning and experience. I shall not scruple, there- 
fore, to avail myself of the labors of those gentle- 
men, giving them this general credit for whatever I 
extract from them. 

It may serve to amuse the reader to give him a 
specimen of ridiculous transcendental jargon, which 
has also been noticed by Dr. Johnson. 

In attempting to explain the action of the water, 
Peez says : " These and similar observations, 
many of which I shall mention in another place, 
constrain us to admit the existence of a peculiar 
vital principle in mineral waters, communicating to that 
of the body either an attractive faculty more consonant 
with the medicinal component parts of the water, or act- 
ing by itself already as a healing power upon the dis- 
eased organism. According to this hitherto hypo- 
thetically presumed presence of a vital principle in 
mineral waters, it may be comprehended how the 
chemical component parts, as they are called, 
(which, if mixed with common water, would be far 
less efficacious,) are the more readily assimilated, 
the more powerfully the tendency of nature to effect 
the removal of the cause of disease, is excited by 
that vital principle. 



HOT SPRINGS. 245 

" This enlivening principle, on the other hand, 
acquires, in return, by means of the mineral water 
and its component parts, the property of uniting 
with the organism. Thus it is evident why all 
mineral waters, when drunk, besides their indivi- 
dual effect, produce by means of their constituent 
principles, a general sanative effect, which is suf- 
ficiently proved by experience. 

" The partial effect of the medicinal component 
parts of mineral waters is pushed back, as it were, 
retreating under the aegis of a general power which 
directly excites the autocrasy of the animated ani- 
mal body, and compels it to act according to the parti- 
cular quality of the mineral spring determined by its 
component parts" 

"With better sense, and in more intelligible lan- 
guage, he remarks : " As in the external world, all 
that is to exist develops itself from a liquid form, 
so must also the principle of nutrition be changed 
into it, in order to be rendered assimilable, and all 
substances become unfit for supporting life, must 
quit the state of rigidity, and return to liquid, be- 
fore they can be drawn out of the region of organ- 
ism. Thus water evidently acts in many diseases as a 
sanative means, and nature avails itself of it in many 
dispositions of the body in which the humors have 
a tendency to grow rigid and condense. 

" But how important soever the task may be 
that nature assigns to this element, we cannot attri- 



246 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

bute to common water the powerful efficacy we 
discover in thermal waters. Experience has decided 
this long since, and taught us that it does not possess 
this healing power ; that it is insignificant, nay, even 
hurtful in many chronic diseases, whilst thermal 
waters only can effect a cure. 

" As for the choice of a proper degree of tempe- 
rature of baths, its importance has been acknow- 
ledged long since ; but we cannot discover in it 
the principal cause of the efficacy of mineral baths ; 
for if the cure were to be attributed to it, journeys 
to bathing-places would be superfluous, because 
patients might at their own homes much more 
easily command the proper degree of temperature 
of their baths than in bathing-places. 

" But what does experience tell us of the value 
of a proper choice of temperature of baths in gene- 
ral? It tells us, that baths heated to a proper de- 
gree are the most powerful means to produce equi- 
librium in the abnormously exalted or depressed 
activity of the nervous system in the different or- 
gans of the body ; that they check the immoderately 
accelerated circulation of blood, unless this circum- 
stance should be owing to an acute inflammation, 
or some organic defect. But experience does not 
tell us that common tepid baths effect such great 
cures as we see by the use of thermal baths, fre- 
quently very deficient in component parts. It tells 
us, on the contrary, that natural mineral baths, 



HOT SPRINGS. 247 

when used for some time, in many diseases, produce 
an excitation really critical, frequently raised to a 
febrile state, which, in most cases, is the precursor 
of speedy recovery. 

" When patients begin to bathe, some individuals 
exhibit certain phenomena, which we must be ac- 
quainted with, if they are not to excite great uneasi- 
ness. Such are, propensity to sleep, giddiness, op- 
pression of the chest, pain in the eyes, eruptions on 
the skin, weariness, vertigo, lowness of spirits. 

" These phenomena may be prevented in some 
measure, and their duration shortened when they 
already have made their appearance, if, what should 
be a general rule, the patient use the precaution not 
to remain long in the first baths.' 5 

The best prevention will be, to take care that the 
alimentary canal is well evacuated by some proper 
mercurial combination and by injections of the warm 
mineral water. The latter is a means I here take 
occasion to recommend with earnestness as one of 
the most important adjuncts towards a cure. In 
almost every case in which the water is the proper 
remedy, this use of it is indicated. 

This is well understood at the German Spas, and 
it is to be hoped that here also invalids will have all 
the benefits to be derived from it. But it may be 
as well to say, that they will generally have to de- 
pend on themselves for the necessary apparatus. 
The proprietor does not undertake to provide nurses, 



248 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

nor the conveniences for nursing, and this it is well 
for the public to understand. 

" The more encouraging symptoms are the follow- 
ing : After the first baths the organism is excited 
to form depositions upon the skin. The dry skin 
grows softer and moist, a prickling is felt on the 
surface of the body, a slight eruption ensues, at- 
tended with a sensible determination of hypochon- 
dria, hysteria or rheumatic suffering. 

"The cutaneous transpiration is, in general, a 
little more encouraged. In some individuals the 
stools are retarded proportionably to the increase of 
the cutaneous or urinary secretions; sometimes, 
however, the functions of the skin and intestines 
are set free at the same time. 

" Ulcers are by this cutaneous excitation made 
to discharge, for a short time, a greater quantity of 
matter; the ulcers of others become clean and gra- 
nulating. Eruptions grow more violent before they 
are completely cured. Most tetters secrete a greater 
quantity of lymph, and these phenomena are some- 
times of longer and sometimes of shorter duration. 

" Rheumatic and gouty pains are aggravated, 
stiffness increases, and walking becomes more dif- 
ficult. These exacerbations generally last from four 
to ten days, and the strong and sanguineous are the 
most liable to them. It is often proper to deplete 
in such cases by cupping and purging, and the bath- 
ing should be discontinued until the excitement is 
removed. 



HOT SPRINGS. 249 

"Even persons who never had suffered rheuma~ 
tic pains, feel slight touches of that disease when 
taking the bath. These attacks were, however, in- 
variable harbingers of a speedy and radical cure. 

" The majority of bathers experience an increase 
of appetite ; sleep grows profounder and more re- 
freshing; many are overcome with a propensity to 
sleep after the bath, and this should not be resisted 
unless it is attended with headach, redness of the 
face, giddiness and a quick pulse — symptoms that 
require to be watched and counteracted." 

At the Hot Springs, as at Wiesbaden, all the 
above symptoms and effects may be observed in the 
course of a season, and we may enumerate pretty 
much the same catalogues of diseases in w 7 hich the 
waters of the former are useful or contra-indicated. 

In the first class are, complaints having their seat 
in the abdominal organs, and especially in the biliary 
apparatus — indicated by acidity, eructations, furred 
tongue, troubled digestion, loss of appetite, sense 
of tightness or oppression about the stomach and 
bowels after food, costiveness or relaxed bowels, 
congestion about the liver, with or without enlarge- 
ment of that organ, hypochondriasis and hysteria, 
haemorrhoids and their consequences, irritations 
about the kidneys and bladder, enlarged spleen, 
jaundice, sequences of residence in tropical cli- 
mates. 

The various forms of gout and their sequences. — The 
11* 



250 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

baths, when assisted by the internal use of the 
waters, bring anomalous and latent gout into its 
proper place and form — into the extremities, thus 
relieving the interior. 

Paralysis, general and local — the sequences of 
apoplectic attacks, or the consequences of metastasis 
of gout, rheumatism, or cutaneous eruptions from 
the surface to the brain or spine — also those paraly- 
tic affections occasioned by the poisons of lead, ar- 
senic, mercury, &c, or contusions or other injuries 
of the head or back. 

In the foregoing class of diseases, it will be often 
necessary to bleed, cup and leech, and give ape- 
rient medicine. 

Scrofulous complaints, and all the cutaneous erup- 
tions mentioned in connection with the Warm 
Springs. 

Chronic rheumatism, with its various consequences. 

The sequences of mercurial courses for various dis- 
eases, both in this country and between the tropics. 

Several pulmonary complaints, occasioned by re- 
pressed gout, rheumatism or cutaneous eruptions. 
This class includes chronic bronchitis. 

Uterine affections — si mple amenorrhoea — chronic 
suppressed menstruation — neuralgic dysmenorrhoea. 

Deafness from hardened or defective secretion 
from the membrane of the ear. 

Want of power — from sprains, dislocations, &c. 

Abnormal deposition of bone. 



HOT SPRINGS. 251 

These and various other ailments are relieved at 
the Hot Springs. 

The waters of the Hot Springs, like those of 
Wiesbaden, are contra-indicated in many cases. 
All acute diseases, that is diseases accompanied by 
fever or inflammation, are prohibited from these 
waters. 

Whenever there is febrile action in the constitu- 
tion, or local inflammation, however sub-acute, or 
even chronic, the use of thermal springs, either as 
drink or baths, but especially the baths, is dan- 
gerous. These waters, internal and external, will 
excite the circulation and nervous system (already 
too much exalted) into the most dangerous reac- 
tions, and lead to the most deplorable consequences. 

Phthisical affections, except in the earliest stage, 
and before any material change has taken place in 
the lungs, preclude the idea of utility from these 
waters. Emaciation, from internal suppuration in 
any organ, and resembling phthisis, forbids the 
waters. The same may be said of cachectic habits, 
where the blood is broken down and the solids 
wasted. 

Dropsij of the chest, abdomen or skin, will be 
prejudiced by these sources — and in short, all dis- 
eases connected with or dependent on defect of 
vital energy. Catarrhal affections of kidneys or 
bladder— fluor albus — -chlorosis — severe derange- 
ment of the digestive organs — -chronic diarrhoea, 



252 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

with emaciation, will derive no benefit from these 
waters. 

All tendency to spitting of blood, menorrhagia, 
vicarious menstruation, stony concretions in the 
bladder or kidneys, scirrhus of the stomach or ute- 
rus, all organic affections of the heart or large ves- 
sels, idiopathic epilepsy, catalepsy, chorea, will be 
injured by these waters. 

In chronic rheumatism and gout, these waters 
have a high and just reputation. In cases of long- 
standing gout of the atonic kind, these baths are 
usually successful, and in these cases it is well to 
combine with them the internal use of the water. 
The douche may be used with great advantage in 
dispersing local swellings, puffiness, or stiffness of 
the joints. In cases of erratic, irregular gout, these 
baths also promise well, and frequently bring the 
morbid action to one spot — a condition often in- 
duced previous to an amelioration. 

It cannot be expected, however, that a single 
course of the waters will eradicate the disease. 
Persons afflicted with gout should return for two or 
three seasons, passing the winter in a mild climate, 
and being regular in their habits and abstemious in 
their diet. 

In slight rheumatic cases a few weeks usually 
suffice. In the more intractable cases of articular 
and muscular rheumatism, as also in rheumatic 
affections of the face and head, a more persevering 
course will be required. 



HOT SPRINGS. 253 

The state of abdominal plethora, with congestion 
of the liver, and obstruction in the circulation of the 
vena portce, with its consequences, as impaired di- 
gestion, deficient or vitiated biliary secretion, piles, 
&c, occurring for the most part in persons about 
the middle period of life, and marked by protube- 
rance of the abdomen, with diminished muscular 
and nervous energy, is one calculated to be relieved 
by the use of the water internally and externally 
employed. Even when the drinking of the water 
is not followed by immediate sensible effects, either 
upon the bowels or kidneys, it is frequently not the 
less efficient on that account; and unless some in- 
convenience be experienced, it should be persisted 
in, as after a certain time copious critical evacua- 
tions will often occur, and be followed by imme- 
diate relief. 

In several of these cases, especially when there 
exists hardness or tension in the region of the liver, 
spleen, or in other parts of the abdomen, the douche 
will be of material assistance in the treatment. 

In many cases of paralysis the Hot Springs offer 
efficient means of arousing the nervous energy of 
the system, especially when the complaint is of a 
rheumatic origin, depending upon the impression of 
poisonous influences — as malaria, the abuse of mer- 
cury, or the employment of this, lead, or some other 
metals by workmen ; as also in cases where the 
disease appears to be local, not connected with 



254 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA* 

cerebral disease, but arising from deficient energy 
of the nerves of the part or the spinal marrow, con- 
sequent upon exposure to cold, wet, or other anala- 
gous causes. 

In conclusion, I give several selected cases, for the 
purpose of establishing the facts which I have stated 
relative to these waters. Persons desirous of ex- 
amining them more in detail, are referred to the 
little pamphlet of Dr. Goode, already mentioned. 



HOT SPRINGS. 255 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

The following interesting letter, addressed to 
Dr. Goode, will be found to coincide with my views 
of the important agency of the Hot Springs in dys- 
menorrhagia, or painful menstruation. Dr. Howard 
was formerly professor of midwifery and the dis- 
eases of women and children in the University of 
Maryland, and is now professor in the medical 
department of the University of Virginia t 

"University of Va., Dec. 10, 1841. 

" Dr. Thomas Goode > 

" Dear Sir, 

" I have just received your letter of 
the 17th inst., soliciting my opinion and experience 
of the remedial effects of the Hot Springs in chro- 
nic diarrhoea and difficult menstruation. 

" In reply to your enquiry, I may state that for 
many years, but most particularly for the last ten 5 
I have advised all my patients, who were afflicted 
with chronic diarrhoea or painful menstruation, that 
resisted medical treatment, to avail themselves of the 



256 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

medical powers of the Hot Springs ; and I do not 
now recollect of an instance, when the proper pre- 
paratory measures and indispensable auxiliary regimen 
to the use of the baths were strictly observed and 
persevered in, in which my expectations of the ef- 
ficacy of the waters were disappointed. 

" It is true that a few cases have occurred in 
which the patient returned to me without receiving 
relief, and some have claimed my attention in which 
the diseases appeared aggravated ; but in all these 
cases it was ascertained, that either the preparatory 
measures necessarij to be adopted previous to taking 
the baths, or the auxiliary regimen to be used simul- 
taneously with bathing, were not rigidly adhered to. 

11 1 feel constrained by the result of my observa- 
tion and experience during my visit to the Hot 
Springs, to state, that I believe that those waters 
are so potent for injury as well as benefit to those 
afflicted with chronic diarrhoea or painful menstrua- 
tion, that none such should use them without the 
advice of a physician conversant with their quali- 
ties. And physicians, when recommending this 
w r atering-place to their patients, should make them 
aware, that travelling and its incidents sometimes 
convert chronic into acute affections, and that a re- 
gimen and course of treatment, very proper in the 
former state, may be highly improper in the latter 
condition. 

" I am, respectfully, yours, 

" U. HOWARD, M. D." 



HOT SPRINGS. 257 

The following memorandum was made of the 
treatment of a case of chronic rheumatism at the 
Hot Springs in 1849 : 

August 3d. B. arrived at 10 A. M., excited by 
travel from Richmond, and in a constipated condi- 
tion. At night, took 8 grains blue mass, which 
acted energetically next morning. 

4th. Took spout bath at 100° Fah't, remained in 
15 minutes, returned to his room, lay down and 
found pulse 104, face flushed and nerves greatly 
excited. Night, took 4 grains blue mass. 

5th. Morning, a teaspoonful of Henry's magne- 
sia, by which the bowels were freely evacuated. 
Noon, took hoiler 9 pulse on entering SO ; immersed 
15 minutes, went into blankets, pulse 104; remained 
45 minutes, at the expiration of which time pulse 
was still 104, face very much flushed, but nerves 
not so much excited as by the bath of 100°. This 
may have been owing to the brisk purgation caused 
by the blue mass, magnesia, and three glasses of 
Hot water, one taken in the bath, the other two in 
the blankets. 

6th. In the morning took a glass of the Hot wa- 
ter and a short walk, pulse 83, the tongue was some- 
what furred ; after breakfast a copious evacuation ; 
took boiler at 11 A. M., immersed 15 minutes ; glass 
of water in the bath ; immersed the head to-day; 
remained in the blankets one hour; after 15 mi- 
nutes pulse was 100 ; at the close of the hour 106 ; 



258 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

sweat not remarkable, but face did not flush as on 
yesterday ; bowels again acted on, with some dis- 
tress at the rectum ; feels altogether more comfort- 
able than the day previous ; at night, takes blue 
mass, 4 grains. 

7th. Morning, glass of warm water, followed by 
free evacuations; 12 o'clock, pulse 76, takes boiler, 
immersed 15 minutes, pulse on coming out 102 ; 
remains in blankets one hour, at which time pulse 
80 ; a good deal enfeebled after the blankets, though 
the sweating was not profuse. 

8th. Morning, action on the bowels continues ; 
takes spout 100°, and directs the douche on the af- 
fected parts ; a soreness is diffused through the 
limbs that makes locomotion more difficult ; takes 
no Hot water to-day ; the tongue slimy. Night, no 
medicine. 

9th. Morning, takes spout 106° for 15 minutes ; 
feelings pleasant, but pulse not counted ; action on 
the bowels ceased. Night, sick stomach ; takes blue 
mass, 3 grains. 

10th. Morning, bath 106° ; no movement of the 
bowels ; tongue furred. 12 M., pulse 73 ; no im- 
pression made on the rheumatic pains. 6 P. M., 
this day, by way of experiment, took spout 106°. 

11th. 6 A. M., takes spout 106° ; pain and stiff- 
ness greater, and face flushed; pulse 110°. 

Here the memorandum is discontinued, but the 
progress of the case up to the 21st day was pretty 



HOT SPRINGS. 259 

much as stated, the pulse being uniformly excited, 
the face flushed, and the power of locomotion di- 
minished. After three weeks, the patient being dis- 
heartened, left the water. 

This was a case of four years' continuance, and 
a remarkable one. The weight of the disease 
seemed to have fallen on the abductor muscles of 
the thighs up to this time, when it appeared to ex- 
tend into the hips and knee joints. There has been 
no shrinking of the muscles, no apparent effusion, 
but continuous and intense pain ; occasionally, how- 
ever, more aggravated. The general health is usu- 
ally good. Before he visited the Hot Springs in 
1849, he had an attack of cholera, which deranged 
the functions of the liver ; and this may have been 
one cause of the failure of the water to afford re- 
lief. 

The writer is now impressed with the belief that 
he was too precipitate in leaving the water, or, at 
least, imprudent in not returning to it after using 
the sulphur waters. He intends giving it another 
and more persevering trial, and still has confidence 
in obtaining relief at the Hot Springs. 

The author made a memorandum of the follow- 
ing case at the Hot Springs in August 1849 : 

Case of Mr. Newsom of South Carolina. 

Mr. N. was afflicted with indurated and engorged 
liver and enlarged spleen, and of course dyspeptic. 



260 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

He spent at the White Sulphur some nine days, 
during the last four of which he represents himself 
as greatly benefited, there having been a decided 
impression made on his liver. 

When he came to the Hot Springs he put himself 
under advice of Dr. Goode, who gave him, after 
one bath at night, four pills, composed of calomel, 
blue mass and rhubarb, each one grain. Next day, 
taking the spout-bath and directing the stream over 
the liver, he felt as he describes it, " a giving way 
as if the abdomen was caving in." This was fol- 
lowed by most copious discharges of bilious faeces 
after bath, and clots of matter streaked with blood. 
He felt immediate relief, and on the 10th day is 
leaving the Hot in comparatively good health. 

Cases furnished by Dr. Goode, shewing the benefits 
arising from the use of the Hot Springs in various 
chronic affections. 

Nottoway County, Dec. 18, 1839. 

Dear Sir, 

In July 1838 I was violently at- 
tacked with what is commonly called the bilious 
colic, (whether from the passing of calculi, or a de- 
ranged state of the secretions of the liver, I am un- 
able to say,) followed by an ardent fever, termi- 
nating on the 9th day in a well-marked case of 
jaundice, with dyspeptic symptoms and great de- 
bility. 



HOT SPRINGS. 261 

As soon as I was able to travel, I set off for the 
White Sulphur Springs in a carriage, and was 
again attacked on the day of my arrival with vio- 
lent pains and spasms in the region of the stomach 
and liver, followed by fever and an increase of all 
the above-mentioned symptoms. As soon as it was 
thought prudent, I commenced the use of the White 
Sulphur water, in combination with the blue mass 
or calomel and the most approved vegetable ex- 
tracts. The water, so far from relieving, evidently 
aggravated my disease, proving highly exciting, 
and not in the slightest degree affecting the biliary 
secretions. I used the White Sulphur water 18 
days, and not receiving any benefit, I determined 
to try the Hot Springs. 

On my arrival there I was greatly debilitated 
and in much pain — commenced the use of the bath 
that evening, and so great was the sensibility of the 
liver and whole abdominal region, that I could not 
for a moment suffer the spout-bath to fall on it. I 
used the spout-bath with evident benefit for five 
days, and on the sixth went into the boiler or sweat 
bath. The first sweat seemed to unlock the liver 
as if by magic, causing free discharges of bile ; and 
from that day all the functions of that organ ap- 
peared to be perfectly healthy and regular. I daily 
gained flesh and strength, and returned in the latter 
part of September, nearly restored to health. 

In December following I was again attacked with 
all my old symptom?, if possible in. a mom violent 



262 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

degree, (produced by exposure to a snow-storm,) 
which nearly proved fatal. I was confined to my 
bed all the winter, and did not leave my house till 
late in March. My recovery was slow and imper- 
fect, and in August 1839 I determined to try the 
Hot Springs again. On my arrival my health was 
very bad — symptoms nearly as in 1838, my bowels 
nearly insensible to the most drastic cathartics. I 
was not disappointed in my hopes from the use of 
the baths, but realized my most sanguine expecta- 
tions. After using the spout and sweat bath alter- 
nately for eighteen or twenty days, finding my 
health greatly improved, I went to the White Sul- 
phur, and found the water to agree admirably with 
me, experiencing none of the injurious effects this 
season which it evidently produced in 1838. 

Since my return home I have continued to enjoy 
good health, and have no hesitation in saying, I 
owe it all, under kind Providence, to the Hot 
Springs. I have purposely delayed sending this 
communication at an earlier day, that there should 
be no mistake from any temporary benefit derived 
from the use of the baths. My experience warrants 
me in saying that the use of the Hot Springs bath 
is the very best preparation of the system for the 
safe and beneficial use of the Sulphur Waters of 
Virginia. 

Yours, respectfully, 

A. A. CAMPBELL, it£. D. 

Dr. Thomas Goode. 



HOT SPRINGS. 263 

Hot Springs, August 18, 1838. 

In September 1835, I was taken with a bilious 
intermitting fever, which continued at intervals, in 
spite of remedies, until May 1836, when my liver 
and spleen became much enlarged, my appearance 
w r as bloated and dropsical, and my whole system 
deranged. I had a craving for food of the grossest 
kind, which could not be satisfied, and my bowels 
were so costive as to require the strongest purga- 
tives to move them. I applied to our most skilful 
physicians for advice. I was leeched, cupped, blis- 
tered and salivated: took much medicine internally, 
but without benefit. I also tried the Saratoga Springs, 
but without effect. I continued the use of medicines 
until the 26th of June 1838; I then visited the 
White Sulphur Springs, and used the waters, with 
the blue pill, for two weeks, but without the least 
benefit — they acted freely on my kidneys, and pro- 
duced a white, mucous discharge from my bowels, 
but no bile. I then came to the Hot Springs, and 
after bathing for three days, my liver began to dis- 
charge itself into my bowels, followed by copious 
evacuations, by puking and purging, of ill-looking 
bilious matter, which sickened me very much, when 
I called in Dr. Goode, by whose advice I have since 
been governed. 

The bath and medicine have reduced my liver 
almost entirely — the enlargement is barely percepti- 
ble. My spleen is diminished about one-third > and 



264 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

is much softened. The discharges from my bowels 
are nearly natural. My health is fast improving, 
and I know that I ought not to leave the place, but 
hope, w r ith common prudence on my part, to become 
again a healthy man. 

The above statement is most freely made for the 
benefit of those who are suffering in the same way. 

MORGAN A. PRICE. 

Hot Springs, August 13, 1842. 

About four years ago my liver became diseased, 
dyspeptic symptoms came on, with a diarrhoea, 
which continued for eight months, and in spite of 
the best medical aid, prostrated my whole system 
and destroyed my health completely, terminating 
in a fixed enlargement of my liver and spleen — my 
colon also was greatly distended and felt hard. My 
physicians thought it indurated and incurably dis- 
eased. My sufferings were constant, and oftentimes 
severe. 

Deriving no benefit from medicine, I was induced 
to visit the Virginia Springs. I used the White 
Sulphur water twenty-five days with some benefit. 
It caused moderate discharges of bile from my 
bowels, but did not reduce the size of the liver, 
spleen, nor intestine. I then came to the Hot 
Springs, and by your directions commenced the 
use of the spout bath, temp. 100°. About five 
hours after taking the first bath, I felt a contraction 



HOT SPRINGS. 265 

in the region of my liver, with pain like the twist- 
ing of a cork-screw in the direction of my intestines, 
which soon extended to the lower bowels, followed 
by several copious evacuations, (not less than two 
quarts,) resembling tar in color and consistence, and 
producing great heat and pain as it passed off. In 
a short time I felt much relieved. The next day I 
took the same bath, which was followed by some 
pain and several moderate, dark discharges. For 
the next three days no sensible effect was produced 
by the bath. You then directed me to the spout, 
temp. 102, which was followed by pain and copious 
discharges, of color not so dark as the former. 
From this time to the sixth day, I have experienced 
daily amendment. My liver, spleen and colon, so 
far as I can ascertain, are all reduced to their natu- 
ral size. I suffer no uneasiness whatever, but feel 
perfectly restored in all respects. I have used the 
baths for three weeks only. 

My residence is at Point Coupee, State of Lou- 
isiana. 

M. FOUNOIR, 
To Dr. Goode, Hot Springs. 

Beach Hill, 6th October 1835. 
Dear Sir, 

I have received your letter of the 10th 
September, asking the particulars of my disease, 
together with the benefit I derived from the use of 
12 



266 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

the waters of the Virginia Springs two years ago. 
I had been a confirmed dyspeptic for near five years, 
with symptoms of the most distressing character ; 
my bowels in a state of obstinate costiveness — 
medicine making but little impression on them. I 
applied for aid to many of the most celebrated 
physicians, but got no relief. I then determined, as 
a last resort, to try the Virginia Springs. 

I attended the Sweet Springs, the White Sulphur 
and Salt Sulphur, and the Hot Springs. From the 
three former I derived no benefit whatever; but 
the benefit which I did receive was from the spout 
bath at the Hot Springs, which I believe saved my 
life. On the third night I was waked up by a se- 
vere griping, which was followed during the re- 
mainder of the night by repeated and copious dis- 
charges of vitiated and acrid bile. The next morn- 
ing I was greatly better, and afterwards improved 
rapidly. I remained only eight days, and gained 
eleven pounds in weight. I went by your direc- 
tion and took no medicine. 

I am, very respectfully, yours, 

CHARLES HAMLIN. 
To Dr. Goode, Hot Springs. 

Charlottesville, Nov. 10th, 1842. 
My Dear Sir, 

At the request of Mrs. Kelly, I 
furnish you with a brief statement of her case. 



HOT SPRINGS. 267 

Mrs. Kelly, about eighteen months anterior to 
the summer of 1815, was attacked with unequivo- 
cal and decided hepatitis : First, in its usual form, 
with all its peculiar and characteristic symptoms, 
resisting the most active and vigorous medical 
agents that could be adopted — the disease gradu- 
ally progressing into the chronic form, with en- 
larged liver, jaundice, diarrhoea, &c. In this stage 
the appropriate remedies were perseveringly used, 
still without relief, until the season approached for 
a trial of the mineral waters. At this period such 
was her debilit}^, emaciation and prostration, that 
her friends despaired of her reaching the Springs. 
The effort, however, was made ; and she arrived at 
the White Sulphur, where she remained six weeks, 
using the water without improvement in her com- 
plexion, or any favorable impression on the dis- 
ease. She was now transferred to the Hot Springs, 
where she remained one month, assiduously employ- 
ing the boiler and spout baths, and under their use 
she became completely relieved, the jaundiced 
state of the skin disappearing, also the enlarged 
condition of the liver, with an almost entire exemp- 
tion of any serious recurrence of the disease from 
that period to the present time. 
Very respectfully, 

CHAS. CARTER, M. D. 

To Dr. Goode, Hot Springs. 



268 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Dr. Goode. 
Dear Sir, 

A long indisposition from the effects 
of a deranged state of my liver led me to try the 
Hot spout bath at your Springs. I had previously 
remained four or five weeks at the White Sulphur, 
from which I had derived much advantage, but not 
so much as to make me believe that I could not be 
further benefited by the use of the Hot Baths. Its 
effect upon me was immediate, and as powerful as 
I had been led to suppose, producing a free action 
on the liver. I continued to use them eight or nine 
days with equally happy effects. Entertaining as 
I do, the highest opinion of the efficacy of the Hot 
Springs in all cases of a diseased liver, I am led to 
give you this simple statement for the benefit of 
others as much in need of thern as mvself. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

JOHN L. MANNING, 

Of South Carolina. 

Hot Springs, Sept. 20, 1838. 
Dr. Thomas Goode. 

Sir, 

For nearly three years I have been subject 
to very frequent attacks of jaundice, but more par- 
ticularly during the year 1838, when my liver be- 



HOT SPRINGS. 269 

came torpid, and refused to perform its functions — 
the biliary duct seemed to be closed — my bowels 
became much disordered, and I had a confirmed 
diarrhoea. I became very weak from the effects of 
medicine, and w T as unfit for business or society. 

By the advice of my physicians I left Philadel- 
phia on the 27th of June for the Virginia Springs, 
and reached the Hot Springs early in July, much 
exhausted. I used the spout bath for three days, 
and on the fourth I took the sweat bath, which re- 
duced the number of discharges from my bowels to 
one a da} T , and I felt better. I continued the sweat 
bath for near three weeks, and my health appeared 
to improve from every bath. My appetite and 
strength increased rapidly, and my complexion, 
which was very sallow, became clear and healthy. 
I then went to the White Sulphur for two weeks, 
taking from eight to ten glasses of water daily, with 
evident benefit. I returned then to the Hot Springs, 
and took the sweat bath nearly every day for two 
weeks, with half a wine glass of a mixture of the 
extract of taraxacum, when I found my health re- 
stored. I gained twenty-four pounds in flesh. 
Yours, respectfully, 

DR. KIRKPATRICK, 

Of Philadelphia. 

During the summer of 1837 I was attacked with 
violent pains in the region of the stomach and liver. 



270 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

proceeding, as was afterwards ascertained, from 
calculi in the biliary duct. At a succeeding period 
I discharged several of these calculi, which, to- 
gether with other facts, clearly indicated the seat 
and nature of my disease. It was said by my physi- 
cians that mine was a casein which there was great 
doubt of a final recovery, owing to the frequency 
and violence of the attack. Each attack w T as at- 
tended with the usual symptoms, and jaundice in- 
variably supervened. 

I visited the White Sulphur Springs in August 
1828, and was much improved — so much so as to 
suppose at the time that I was entirely relieved. 
On my return home, however, the attacks returned 
with the same violence, but not so frequently. I 
re-visited the White Sulphur in 1829, with the same 
good effect as to my general health as in 1828. 
The disease still continuing, I visited the White 
Sulphur again in 1830, with the same results as to 
my general health, and after remaining there about 
three weeks, I went to the Hot Springs, and used 
for eight or ten days the spout bath, and have never 
had a similar attack since. I believe myself en- 
tirely free from the disease under which I then 
labored, by close attention to m} r general health, 
the use of the water at the White Sulphur, and the 
spout bath at the Hot Springs. 

J. L. WILKINS, Jr., 
Of Brunswick County. 



HOT SPRINGS. 271 

In the summer of 1836 I visited the Virginia 
Springs with liver disease, as stated by many phy- 
sicians. I used the sulphur waters for some time, 
but without any decided effect. I then came to the 
Hot Springs, and after using the spout bath a few 
days the pain in my right side increased from a 
dull to an acute, which induced me to apply to Dr. 
Goode for advice. He gave me ten grains of calo- 
mel, which brought about a most happy change in 
my feelings and health, producing copious dis- 
charges of dark bilious matter, when forty grains 
often before taken produced but a limited effect. 
From the Hot Springs I returned to the White Sul- 
phur, and the water then acted freely on my bowels. 

JAMES L. COLEMAN, 

Of Georgia. 
Hot Springs, Aug. 14tth, 1837. 

In 1826 1 had a protracted attack of bilious fever, 
which left me in a bad condition. My stomach 
being much disordered, accompanied with great 
flatulenc}', gave me from four to six passages every 
twenty-four hours, and sometimes oftener ; my stools 
mixed with blood, more or less, and sometimes with 
matter very offensive. At length a tumor formed 
in the lower intestine, about the size of a small 
walnut, attended with great heat and itching, which 
ultimately broke, and I occasionally discharged 
considerable quantities of blood and matter by 



272 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

stool. I then thought, and still think, that the 
whole rectum was much diseased, and that I should 
be compelled to submit to an operation, or fall a 
victim to the disease. 

In addition to my sufferings, in the fall of 1831 
I had a severe rheumatic attack, which pervaded 
my whole muscular system, but was most distress- 
ing about my breast, chest, bowels and hips. In 
this situation, about the 1st of July following, I 
went to the Hot Springs, barely able to sit up, and 
used the waters freely, drinking and bathing until 
the 30th of August, when I left them much relieved 
in every way. The ensuing summer I again re- 
turned to the Hot Springs, and used the waters by 
drinking and bathing, until the last of August, 
when I returned home entirely relieved of bowel 
disease, and nearly so of my rheumatism. I have 
again this summer visited these Springs, where I 
have been for three weeks, using the waters as be- 
fore, and believe myself entirely relieved of all my 
complaints, except a little stiffness in my hips and 
back. 

The above statement is believed to be strictly 

correct; and if you think it will be of any service 

to you, or to sufferers in a similar situation, you 

may make any use of it that you may think proper. 

Very respectfully, yours, 

HENRY CALLOWAY. 

Aug. 30, 1834. 
To Dr. Goode. 



HOT SPRINGS* 273 



April 1833. 
I was seized with cholera in a southern climate, 
from which I had scarcely recovered when inter- 
mittent fever attacked me. This continued at inter- 
vals until September, when congestive fever super- 
vened, and continued with much violence for the 
space of nine days, and only subsided to give place 
to the intermittent again* From this time a morbid 
appetite began to prey upon me. The ague alter- 
nated with a severe dysentery until March 1834, 
oedematous swellings of the lower extremities made 
their appearance, but gave way to the use of alte- 
ratives and muriated tincture of iron. I became 
much emaciated and debilitated ; my spleen be- 
came much enlarged; an excessively morbid con- 
dition of the stomach continued, an ungovernable 
craving for food of the grossest description and 
other indigestible substances. In the mean time an 
uncontrollable diarrhoea, which has given me more 
uneasiness than every other symptom, came on. 
During nearly three years, every article of diet 
swallowed would ferment, produce the most dis- 
tressing cardialgia, and run off from the bowels by 
profuse watery evacuations. The spleen in the left 
side and swelling of the stomach and intestines 
was great and painful. The irritability of the ali- 
mentary was so great, that the smallest portions of 
calomel or blue pill, combined with opiates, would 
12* 



274 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

produce an hypercatharsis, sometimes almost fatal ; 
neither food nor medicine agreed with me. 

In this state of almost despair, I visited the White 
Su]phur Springs, and finding that the water dis- 
agreed with me, inasmuch as it proved too drastic, 
I determined to visit the Hot Springs. In a few 
hours after using the bath, I had a bilious discharge, 
which had not occurred for eight months. In four 
days time, my diarrhoea ceased, and my evacua- 
tions became almost healthy in complexion. I had 
been very much annoyed by haemorrhoids for fifteen 
months, which was relieved bj^ the spout bath in 
three days. The improvement in my complexion 
was so great that the visiters would remark, " Why, 
Doctor, you will soon be well." My spleen was 
reduced about one-half, the abdominal muscles be- 
came relaxed and soft, my strength and activity 
very much improved, and every symptom seemed 
to give way to the use of the bath. 

A. Y. WATSON, M. D. 

Hot Springs, Sept. 10th, 1837. 
Sir, 

More than three years since I was taken with 
a severe dysentery, which was succeeded by what 
I should term a mucous diarrhoea. Since that time 
I have suffered an annual return of the dysentery 
each summer until the present — this year I have 
escaped this periodical attack by passing my time 
in the mountains. 



HOT SPRINGS. 275 

I remained a week at the White Sulphur without 
the slightest benefit, when I directed my course to 
the Red Sulphur, where I remained five weeks. 
My general health was greatly improved at this 
place, and at first I was cheered with hopes of a 
recover}^, but I left the Red Sulphur with the diar- 
rhoea in full force on me, and without the slightest 
diminution of the mucous discharge, although the 
bilious secretions were slightly improved. In that 
state, a state of unabated diarrhoea, I reached the 
Hot Springs seven days ago, and w r as persuaded to 
use the spout bath. I applied the spout principally 
to the region of my liver, and to my back — wonder- 
ful to relate, I felt instantaneous and perfect relief — 
the mucous discharge entirely ceased, which had 
not occurred previously in the whole course of my 
disease. Since the first day I have felt no pain or 
uneasiness in the bowels, whereas before I was tor- 
tured night and day. So well do I feel, that I shall 
start for home to-morrow in fine spirits, and only 
regret that I had not sooner tried your Hot Springs. 
This is a short and rapid sketch of my case, but I 
assure you it is a faithful one. I shall make no 
commentary, but will simply say, that I consider 
my cure entirely and solely owing to the Hot spout. 

ROBERT J. BRENT, 

Of Washington, D. C. 
To Dr. Goode. 



276 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Hot Springs, August 1837. 
To Dr. Goode. 

Dear Sir, 

I give you the following statement 
of my case : About ten years ago I became dyspep- 
tic, and was unwell in the usual way, when at length 
I became much worse ; almost everything taken in 
the stomach produced pain, and frequently violent 
spasms, which threatened death. I experienced no 
relief when under the influence of calomel ; tiring 
of which, after suffering for about two years, I de- 
termined to try the sulphur waters. 

I commenced at the White Sulphur, but the wa- 
ter disagreed with me, and I then went to the Salt 
Sulphur, understanding that the water was more 
purgative; for you must know that my bowels were 
invariably constipated. After using the water for 
two days, I had a violent attack of spasm, which 
was relieved by a hot bath. I then came imme- 
diately to the Hot Springs ; my stomach was so 
much debilitated, that I was compelled to live ex- 
clusively on milk and mush, and the like bland 
food. The first meal I took at the Hot Springs was 
milk and mush, which brought on pain, threatening 
spasm. I went immediately into the spout bath, 
and from that day to this I have been entirely ex- 
empt from the disease. 

I bathed every day, sometimes twice, and in a 



HOT SPRINGS. 277 

few days I was enabled to eat everything at the ta- 
ble, including desserts of all kinds. 

WILLIAMS CARTER, 

Of Hanover. 

Hot Springs, August 28th, 1849. 

Dr. Goode. 

Dear Sir, 

Believing that a knowledge of it may 
be useful to others suffering in the same way, I fur- 
nish you the case of the Rev. D. C. Wharton, as 
stated to me by himself in 1845. I do this the 
more readily, as his demise since prevents a state- 
ment under his own hand. 

He was suffering from a torpid and gorged liver, 
attended with dyspepsia, obstinate costiveness and 
great debility. He visited the Sulphur Springs, 
but without any material benefit. His appearance 
was improved and his complexion changed ; but 
there was no evident action on the liver. At my 
urgent solicitation he visited the Hot Springs, and 
the first bath he took produced copious discbarges 
of vitiated bile, both by vomiting and purging, at- 
tended with much sickness at stomach and general 
prostration of strength. This alarmed him so much 
that he could not be prevailed on to take another 
bath, but left the Springs the next day. 

The disease of which Mr. Wharton subsequently 



278 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

died, was, I believe, a malignant type of fever, pre- 
vailing at the time as an epidemic in the section of 
Campbell count}^ constituting the field of his minis- 
terial labor. 

Yours truly, 

DAVID CALDWELL. 

Paralysis. 

Richmond, Sept. 24th, 1842. 
Dr. Thomas Goode. 
Dear Sir, 

Having used your baths with such 
decided benefit, I deem it proper that I should give 
a statement of my case, which I will do as briefly 
as possible. In March 1833 I had a most violent 
attack of paralysis, which destroyed the use of the 
whole of my left side, and with it brought on a 
state of general debility, which entirely disabled 
me from attending to business. In this situation I 
left home for the mountains, hoping to regain my 
health by travelling and the use of the different 
mineral waters ; but after spending nearly four 
months in going from Spring to Spring, I had to re- 
turn home but very little benefited in my lame side, 
although my general health had improved a good 
deal, which was some little encouragement to me 
to make another trial ; and when the next summer 



HOT SPRINGS. 279 

(1834,) opened, I again started for the White Sul- 
phur, and remained there one month, and then went 
to the Sweet Springs, and remained two weeks or 
more, and again returned to the White Sulphur, 
where I remained some time ; but finding little or 
no improvement in my lameness, I determined to 
try the Hot Springs baths, although it was against 
the advice of physician and friends, and left for 
that place, not knowing what would be the conse- 
quence of my seeming rash determination ; but w 7 hen 
I saw j^ou and received your assurance that there 
was no danger in my using the baths, I was en- 
couraged, and commenced bathing without delay, 
and found that it suited my case exactly ; for the 
effect was at once visible in the rapid improvement 
of my lameness, and the better condition of my 
general health ; and I returned home cheered with 
my much improved health, and commenced a bu- 
siness of much labor and activity, which I have 
followed down to the present time, (eight years,) 
with little or no interruption from my old disease. 
Very respectfulty, 

Your obedient servant, 

SAML. HARDGROVE. 



280 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Deafness. 

Steubenville, Nov. 20th, 1838. 

Dear Sir, 

Annexed is a concise statement of 
my case. For several years my health had been 
bad. I had suffered much from a rheumatic affec- 
tion of the muscles of my back, which was always 
severe in cold weather, and induced me to spend 
some winters past in New Orleans. About three 
years ago, after an unusual exposure, I felt that my 
disease was transferred to my head. A dizziness, 
approaching to blindness, came on, and at times I 
suffered an indescribable sense of weight or heavi- 
ness on the brain, and almost wholly lost my hear- 
ing in one year. These unpleasant complaints 
continually increased. In the mean time I fol- 
lowed rigidly the advice of physicians. I lived 
abstemiously, was frequently bled and cupped, 
and had cold water and ice applied to my head, 
which produced only temporal relief. At one 
time I used the blue pill until my gums became 
tender, and felt decidedly better under its influence; 
but the disease still remained, depressing my 
spirits, and impairing all the enjoyments of life. At 
two different times the distress in my head was so 
great as almost to deprive me of consciousness, 
until I was bled. 



HOT SPRINGS. 281 

Early last summer all these symptoms had as- 
sumed a more fixed and threatening character than 
at any former period, when I determined to visit 
the Virginia Hot Springs, where I arrived in Au- 
gust. I used the waters in the customary way, per- 
mitting the spout to fall directly on the ear of which 
I had lost the hearing, and over the head generally. 
I experienced immediate good effect ; and before I 
left the Hot Springs, w r here I remained about three 
weeks, recovered my hearing entirely, and also felt 
perfect relief in my head. This relief has continued 
up to this time. I find no inconvenience whatever 
to follow the use of my ordinary diet, and can truly 
say, that I have not felt so entirely in good health 
for many years. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

MARTIN ANDREWS. 



Hot Springs, September 18th, 1840. 

Dear Sir, 

At }^our request, I give you a 
statement of my case. In February last I was 
taken with a violent cold in the head, which left 
me almost entirely deaf in my left ear. I came to 
the Hot Springs on the 18th of July, and after using 
the baths freely for about two weeks, my hearing 



282 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

was restored, and has continued perfect without in- 
terruption up to this date. 

JOHN B. CUTTING, 

Lieutenant U. S. N. 
To Dr. Goode. 



Rheumatism. 

Hot Springs, Aug. 8th, 1838. 
To T. Goode. 

Dear Sir, 

I give you a short statement of my 
case. In 1826 or '7 I experienced a severe attack 
of bilious fever, which reduced me very low. I 
was scarce able to leave my bed, when the fever 
was succeeded by a violent attack of inflammatory 
rheumatism, from which I recovered in about two 
months. In February 1835, after a slight bilious 
attack, the rheumatism returned in a chronic form, 
and reduced me to a state of helplessness. All 
hope of recovery was deemed idle, my constitution 
being very weak. I left home for the White Sul- 
phur in June following, remained there two weeks, 
and left with a severe cold that augmented my dis- 
ease. 

I remained here near or quite a month, taking the 
spout and boiler baths alternately, and entirely re- 



HOT SPEINGS. 283 

covered, I have not had the slightest return of the 
disease since. 

Yours, &c, 

WM. M. DARLINGTON, 

Of Petersburg. 

Hot Springs, 29th Aug. 1833. 
In the month of January 1806, during my attend- 
ance on the Virginia legislature, of which I was 
then a member, I was very sorely afflicted with an 
attack of inflammatory rheumatism, and about the 
1st of July in the same year, after the disease had 
assumed a chronic state, I arrived at the Hot Springs 
in Virginia, much debilitated, requiring two persons 
to put me in and take me out of a carriage. I re- 
mained at the Springs sixty-three days, using the 
bath once every day except three. I was weighed 
the day I got to the Springs, and also on the day I 
left them, and, if I was correctly weighed, I gained 
sixty pounds in weight in sixty-three days, and re- 
mained free from that complaint for upwards of 
twenty years. 

H. CALLOWAY, 
Of Franklin Co. 

Philadelphia, 23d February 1834. 

In the year 1826 I contracted a very bad cold, 
b} 7 " sitting for several months in a room which had 
been recently plastered upon very thin walls. The 



284 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

cold at first fell upon my breast, and was attended 
with a cough. After some time the cough subsided, 
and I was seized suddenly with a pain in the right 
arm. In a few days the pain became very violent ; 
it was seated principally in the shoulder-blade, but 
extended likewise from the shoulder down to the 
points of the fingers. The best medical aid was 
resorted to, but there was no alleviation from the 
pain, not even for a minute. In this situation I got 
little or no sleep ; the agony was so much increased 
by lying in bed, that the only rest obtained was by 
lying, with my clothes on, across the foot of the bed, 
with the affected arm hanging down. In this situa- 
tion exhausted nature would sink into a doze, out 
of which I was soon awakened by the pain. The 
arm dwindled away, my appetite failed, and my 
general health was fast declining. 

Reduced to this state, I determined to try the 
Hot Springs in Virginia. With difficulty 1 was 
taken there, and had no reason to repent of my de- 
termination. I took forty hot baths, using the 
blankets each time. At the end of two months I 
returned home so much altered in appearance that 
I was the object of astonishment to those who had 
seen me previous to my departure, and in another 
month I was perfectly restored to health. 

P. A. BROWN. 

To Dr. Goode, 

Hot Springs, Bath Co., Va. 



HOT SPRINGS. 285 

Old Injuries. 

In 1837, after spending three weeks at the White 
Sulphur and other Sulphur Springs, where I drank 
the waters, I visited the Hot Springs, and there 
took regularly two spout baths a day, from the 8th 
to the 18th of September, inclusive. My object was 
to get rid of a rheumatic pain above the right hip, 
occasioned by a fall the year previous. The second 
spout removed the pain from the hip to the shoulder, 
and the succeeding ones made it travel still more 
over my back ; thus I suffered more that week than 
I ever had done before, but at the end of ten days 
1 left the Springs entirely free from pain. The 
second and third spouts produced likewise a most 
extraordinary effect on the liver — a copious yellow 
evacuation, such as I never witnessed in my life. 

In 1838 I spent a week at the spout in order to 
see w T hether it would produce the same discharge, 
but it had no longer the same effect. 

H. DAVRAINVILLE 

Of Philadelphia. 

Hot Springs, Sept. 1st, 1838. 

Southampton, 15th Feb. 1843. 
Dear Sir, 

Having derived the most important 
benefit from the use of the spout bath at the Hot 



V 
286 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Springs, it gives me pleasure to comply with your 
request, and bear testimony to its virtues. 

In the month of August 1829 a horse ran away 
with me in a gig — I leaped out, fractured the small 
bone in my leg, and injured the patella or knee-pan 
most severely. A tedious confinement was the con- 
sequence. When I was sufficiently recovered to 
leave my bed, I found the leg so contracted that I 
could not walk without the aid of crutches. Indeed, 
when standing erect, my foot did not reach the 
ground by four inches. The limb shrunk from in- 
action ; and fearing I should be a cripple for life, I 
visited Philadelphia and consulted Dr. Physic. He 
told me my case was hopeless, and surgical aid 
would be of no avail. I returned home, and went to 
the Hot Springs. I had then been on crutches more 
than twelve months — my left leg was not half the 
size of the right, and so contracted that I could not 
get the foot to the ground. The very first bath re- 
laxed the contraction — my leg became straight, and 
I walked back to my cabin without crutches. I 
used the bath once a day for about three weeks. 
The limb was gradually restored, and I have never 
used crutches since. I regard myself indebted to 
the Hot Springs for my leg. 

I am, most respectfully, 

Your ob't serv't and friend, 

J. Y. MASON. 



HOT SPRINGS. 287 

Loss of Voice. 

Hot Springs, 19th Sept. 1836. 
To Dr. Goode. 

In the year 1826 I was taken with 
a violent cold, which deprived me of the power of 
uttering a word above a whisper. The tonsils, 
epiglottis and the windpipe were considerably 
inflamed and swollen, especially in cold, damp 
weather. In 1827 I visited the Red, Salt and 
White Sulphur Springs, which improved my gene- 
ral health. In 1828 I came to the Hot Springs 
and took forty-two sweat baths in succession, and 
occasionally the spout. My general health was 
greatly improved, and my voice so much strength- 
ened as to enable me to converse in the ordinary 
tone of common conversation. I remained at the 
Hot Springs fifty- seven days, and gained twenty- 
two pounds in weight. I used no animal food 
whilst bathing. 

I am, very respectfully, 

W. FOUNTAIN, 
Of Fluvanna County, Va. 



288 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Neuralgia. 

Hot Springs, 27th Aug. 1844. 

Dr. Goode. 

For several years anterior to 1843 I 
had been most severely afflicted by acute neural- 
gia, particularly in my right side, from the arm-pit 
to the hip bone. The paroxysms were so severe 
that my system, in spite of all the remedies I could 
obtain, was reduced to great debility and emacia- 
tion, and consequent mental depression. 

I had visited Saratoga Springs twice, and some 
other watering-places, without any permanent be- 
nefit. In the summer of 1843 I determined to try 
the Virginia Springs. After about a month spent 
in using the White and other Sulphur waters, I re- 
paired to the Hot Springs, and after using the spout 
bath and boiler for two weeks every day, and 
sometimes twice a day, I was, to my great surprise 
and gratification, wholly relieved. For twelve months 
past I have had but one slight paroxysm. Under 
Providence, I may therefore confidently ascribe 
my restoration to the Hot Springs. 

As the disease abated, my appetite, flesh and 
strength increased, and despondency has flown, I 
trust, forever. 

I am, very respectfully, 

J. C. HERBERT, 

Of Maryland* 



BATH ALUM SPRINGS. 289 

CHAPTER XIX. 

BATH ALUM SPRINGS. 

The Bath Alum Springs are situated at the 
eastern base of the Warm Springs mountain, five 
miles east from the Warm Springs, forty-seven 
east of the White Sulphur, forty-five west of Staun- 
ton, on the main route from Richmond to Guyan- 
dotte on the Ohio river. 

This very beautiful and interesting valley is a 
species of cove embosomed in mountains, having on 
the east McClung's ridge, on the southeast Mayers 
mountain, west by northwest, Piney ridge, and 
southwest, Little Piney. It contains about 1000 
acres, and is watered by Thompsons creek. The 
soil is light and sandy, and the locality must un~ 
doubtedty be healthy. 

This place has risen in the wilderness as if by 
magic, within the last year, under the hands of the 
enterprising proprietor, John W. Frazier, Esq., and 
of his respectable and highly intelligent manager, 
Col. Wm. H. Allen. The place was crowded last 
summer, and it bids fair to be an important com- 
petitor with the Rockbridge Alum for public favor. 

The buildings at the Bath Alum form a semi- 
circle. The centre building or hotel is, with the 
basement, four stories high — 90 feet by 45, having 
a double portico 60 feet long, upon the Gillock 
order of architecture. This building has 12 rooms 
16 \ feet square, 15 rooms 16 \ feet by 12: one, 
the ball-room, 40 feet square. The dining-room 

13 



2*90 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA* 

runs back from the centre of this building 115 feet 
by 25, intended for a doobie row of tables. 

On the east of the hotel is, first, a building 63 feet 
by 40 feel, three stories high, with 24 rooms IS feet 
square, having a portico 35 feet long, Gilloek order* 
Next, a block of cabins 60 feet by 18, one story high, 
with 4 rooms and two lattice-work porticoes* Next 
is a block of similar description. 

On the west of the hotel is, first, a building two 
stories high, 63 feet by 40, with 16 rooms 15 feel 
square, a double portico 35 feet long, Gilloek order. 
Then two blocks of cabins as on the east* All 
these buildings are of brici, and in good style and 
taste. 

The semicircle fronts' the south f with ten acres* 
as a lawn. Down the centre are two rows of trees* 
40 feet apart, interspersed with shrubbery r and ex- 
tending to the main road. Ranging with the semi- 
circle are three rows of trees, forming, first* a side 
walk, next 9 ten feet of ornamental grounds, and then 
the carriage road* On either side of the avenue or 
front rows of trees, are clumps of trees and shrub- 
bery, and lattice-work summer-houses and delight- 
ful promenades. Between the cabin porticoes are 
vines, shrubbery and nicely sodded yards. 

It will be seen from this detail, that the Bath Alum 
possesses many advantages over the other estab- 
lishments in its substantial and ornamental arrange- 
ments. It commences its career under the most fa- 
vorable circumstances. The first of the great group 
of Springs on the main road going West, it breaks 
on the view of the traveler in all its beauty and 
freshness, like a young bride extending her arms to 
enfold the idol of her love. Here, too, the Circean 
cup awaits him, and he may drink and drink again, 



BATH ALUM SPRINGS. 291 

without any apprehension of being transformed into 
that horror of the Israelites, but may rather hope, if 
he has about him any swinish unseemliness, to 
slough it off, and become as sleek as a mole and as 
blooming as an opening rhododendron. 

The fare was excellent here last summer, and it 
is to be presumed will be better the next — for in a 
place entirely new and unfinished many conve- 
niences must have been wanting. The rooms are 
furnished in much better style than at any of the 
Springs. The beds are as good as those of any pri- 
vate gentleman, and, indeed, everything at the es- 
tablishment that came under my observation was 
worthy of commendation. There are two beautiful 
parlors, with a fine-toned piano, and I learn it is the 
intention of the proprietor to have a band of music, 
and to encourage gaiety and happiness. 

With such manifestations of a disposition to 
please, superadded to the advantage of varied and 
valuable waters, it is impossible but that the Bath 
Alum shall take a prominent position among the 
Virginia Springs, and greatly increase the attrac- 
tions heretofore exclusively offered by the Hot and 
Warm in this Eastern section of the Mineral Springs 
region. But we must have that omnibus plying be- 
tween the Bath Alum and the Warm Springs, and 
they must have fancy balls and Union parlies, now 
at one, and now at the other. Let there be no nar- 
row-mindedness, no jealousy, but let both, and the 
Hot, too, be assured that in the plan here suggested 
they will find their account. 

It will be pleasant to see good neighbors prosper, 
as they undoubtedly will, as soon as the facilities 
of travel, now daily extending toward them, shall 
invite to those favorite regions the vast multitudes 



292 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

that now resort to less salubrious climates and less 
powerful medicinal agents ; and if this little book 
should ever find its way to Great Britain, the author 
would most earnestly advise the invalids of that 
country, who annually crowd to the German Spas, 
to cross the broad and beautiful Atlantic in their 
magnificent packets, and seek health, pleasure and 
society amidst our majestic mountains, in a climate 
equal to any on the globe during the summer season, 
at a group of Springs unequaled for their variety 
and adaptation to diseases, and among the descend- 
ants of their own land, speaking the same language, 
inspired by the same social spirit, cherishing the 
same principles of liberty, and bound to each other 
by the close though invisible bonds of sympathy 
and early associations. 

And to the people of the North, and to those of 
the South, the capillaries of the Union, I would say, 
flow on through your respective conduits, to the so- 
cial heart of the mother of states — Old Virginia. 
If your streams have been rendered turbid by pre- 
judice ; if too much carbonic acid or unwholesome 
bile has mingled in their currents, she will urge you 
on to the healthy lungs in her parental bosom ; she 
will oxygenise your ill blood in the pure atmosphere 
of her mountains ; she will render it ruddy and 
healthy, and send it back bounding with impulse, 
inspiring fraternal affections and sympathies, and 
connecting the frame of our social and political 
Union by tissues that shall not necay, and ligaments 
that can never be loosened. 

Intercourse, free intercourse only, is necessary to 
make the two great sections appreciate each other, 
and to put an end to that pragmatical, offensive, 
fanatic meddling, which has served to alienate a 



BATH ALUM SPRINGS. 293 

generous, chivalric and warm-hearted portion of 
this great family of republics. 

Outside the lawn, below the public road, and un- 
derneath a shelving slatestone cliff of about fifteen 
feet high, covered by a layer of earth about five feet 
in depth, are found what are called the Bath Alum 
Springs. 

In limestone regions where caves are found, the 
rain falling on the surface and percolating through 
the fissures of rock, dissolves, by means of its car- 
bonic acid, a portion of carbonate of lime, and, 
falling on the floor or depositing on the walls of the 
cavern, forms stalagmites or stalactites. Now, there 
can be little doubt that the alkaline properties of the 
clay-slate are in like manner, through means of car- 
bonic acid, taken up in solution from the decomposed 
rocks through which it passes, and thus through 
such formations are found percolating, waters con- 
taining alum and other alkalies. 

At the base of the clay-slate cliff are excavated 
six little reservoirs that catch the drippings of the 
rock. The upper of these is a strong chalybeate, 
the second is a chalybeate and alum ; the third, 
fifth and sixth, are alum of different degrees of 
strength, and the fourth is supposed to contain mag- 
nesia. A little up the ravine there is a weak sul- 
phuro-chalybeate, giving also evidences of alum. 
The rock has the same characteristic dip and ap- 
pearance as the Rockbridge Alum, but is only about 
one-fourth its height. 

To the science and industry of Dr. Hayes of 
Boston we are indebted not only for the following 
analyses, but also for those of the Red Sulphur, 
White Sulphur and Warm Springs. This is the 
kind of information we want, aided by observation. 



294 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

minute and continuous, to afford us an insight into 
the medicinal agencies of mineral waters, and to 
enable us to draw distinctions, which though to an 
ordinary observer appearing distinctions without a 
difference, are nevertheless highly important. 

The class of waters now before us is, I believe, 
one of comparatively recent introduction as a re- 
medial agent, at least to any extent, and the expe- 
riments made with it have exceeded the most san- 
guine expectations. The Rockbridge Alum has 
gained a reputation almost unprecedented in the 
history of mineral waters, and the Bath Alum is 
also probably destined to considerable celebrity. 

Description and Analysis of the Bath Alum Spring Waters 
of Virginia. 

The samples of these waters were received in excellent order and 
abundant in quantity. On carefully opening the vessels at 60° F. 
the external air entered, to restore in volume a portion which had 
been absorbed by the water from the small space below the sealed 
aperture. With the samples was some of the nearly black clay of 
the Bath Alum Spring location, which had apparently been de- 
rived from the breaking down of shale or slate and shales. On ex- 
posure to the air, these samples of water lost their brilliant, spark- 
ling appearance, becoming cloudy and slowly depositing in flocks 
an ochry matter. They were perfectly colorless before exposure, 
and when tasted left an acid impression and strongly astringent taste. 

When the temperature of these waters is raised, they become 
turbid at about 120° F., and before any considerable escape of air or 
gas takes place. Nearly the same effect is produced, if the water 
to be heated is excluded from air, the partial decomposition being 
in no wise connected with the escape of carbonic acid. No sul- 
phurous or hepatic odor is exhibited, nor can any fermenting action 
or change be produced by exposure in warm places. 

Analysis. 

A standard gallon (58,372 grs.) was the measure of each water 
used in the determination of the quantities of the substances found. 
The experiments necessary for ascertaining the presence or absence 
of other substances than those named, were made on much larger 
quantities, so as to render the chemical history more exact. 



BATH ALUM SPSIINGS. 



295 



First sample, Bath Alum No. I,* at the temperature of 60° F« 
One standard gallon of this water contains, of the bases : 



Soda, 

Patash traces. 

Ammonia, 

Lime, 

Magnesia, 

Protoxide of iroE, 

Als-mi&a, 

Of the acids: 

Sulphuric acid, 

Carbonic, 

Silicic, 

Organic, 

Chlorine, 



0.720 

0.830 
1.570 
<0.960 
6.876 
3.080 



■24.750 
4.140 
L390 
i.020 
0-107 grains. 

When their proximate constituents are arranged so as to repre- 
sent, as nearly as it is possible, the compounds which experiments 
prove to exist in the water, the composition of the whole may he 
expressed, as — 

Pure water, . - - 58326.557 

Free sulph, aeM, - - 5.806 

Carbonic " - - 4.140 

Sulphate of lime, - - 3.805 

" magnesia, - 2.821 

Protoxide iron, * - 14.516 

Alumina, - 10.288 

-Chloride of sodium, - • 0.176 

Silicate of soda, - - 2.024 

Crenate of ammonia, - - 1.850 

Oxygen adored to sodium, - .017 

45.443 



Sample No. 2, Bath Alum No. 3. In one gallon of this sample 
fiiiere were contained as bases — 



Potash, 

Soda, 

A&mio&ia, 

Magnesia, 

Lime, 

Protoxide of iron, 

Alumina, 



0.140 

0.350 
0.462 
0.484 
1.049 
10.314 
3.680 



* When reference is made to numbers as in this place, they designate the posi- 
tion of the Spriags at both places, beginning at the lowest, and proceeding uf 
stream. 



296 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

As acids : Sulphuric acid, - - 30.359 

Carbonic " - - 3.846 

Organic, " - - 1.310 

Silicic, " - - 2.800 
Chlorine, a trace. 

These substances united in the form of salts as existing in the 
water, give the matter foreign to pure water. 
The composition of the gallon in grains is 

Pure water, - - 58317.200 

Free sulphuric acid, - - 7.878 

Carbonic acid, - - 3.846 

Sulphate of potash, - 0.258 

Magnesia, - - 1.282 

Lime, - - - 2.539 

Protoxide iron, - - 21.776 

Alumina, - - 12.293 

Crenate of ammonia, - - 1.776 

Silicate of soda, - - 3.150 



54.794 



This sample differs from the first in acting much more strongly 
on the organs of taste, and the quantity of free sulphuric acid is 
larger than in that water. Both these waters are highly acid in 
their action, although the acid is united to bases, which in part neu- 
tralize its power. When by boiling a deposit takes place, if the 
heat is continued, the deposited matter redissolves as the water eva- 
porates. 

When much reduced in volume by evaporation, the excess of 
acid chars the organic acid present, and 8 alters the composition of 
the sails. 

In cDnsidering the composition of these waters, the protoxide of 
iron is assumed to be united to the sulphuric acid. The change 
produced by heating is referred to the action of the crenate of am- 
monia, and is the same as ordinarily where crenates, free from apo- 
crenates, are naturally contained in a water. When mixed with 
the soluble salts of silver and exposed to light, the gray color is en- 
tirely distinct from that produced by either apocrenates, humates 
or any decomposing matter. When the metallic silver and oxide 
of iron resulting from the first action are removed, the mixture by 
evaporation continues to afford brilliant scales of metallic silver, 
until reduced to a small volume. 

The gaseous matter in these waters is a mixture, of carbonic 
acid, nitrogen and a smali proportion of oxygen, and the measure 
is about 1 volume of the mixed gases to 40 volumes of the water. 
The carbonic acid is given by weight, so that an uniform expres- 
sion of acid relation is adopted, and no misconception can arise, if 
the reader bears in mind the fact that carbonic acid has more than 
twice the acid or neutralizing power possessed hy th® strongest 
fluid sulphuric acid. 



BATH ALUM SPRINGS. 297 

Warm Springs, March 17th, 1851. 

Dear Sir, 

I give you, concisely, the result of iny acquaintance 
with the Bath Alum Spring and its medical virtues. My know- 
ledge of it as a remedial agent commenced soon after its discovery, 
and is probably more extended than that of any other person, as for 
the last ten years I have been in the habit of advising its use in the 
treatment of disease. At first it was used as a remedy in scrofulous, 
eruptive and dyspeptic diseases, and in many instances with remark- 
able effect. But on these points I believe its efficiency has been suf- 
ficiently tested to give to the Spring a high character, which I am 
satisfied it justly merits. 

In hepatic derangement of long standing, with all its attendant 
train of symptoms, where mediciue has been tried in vain for years, 
as well as some of the most approved Mineral Springs, I have 
known the Bath Alum to produce the most decided good effects, 
and there are now many living evidences of the truth of this asser- 
tion. In chronic diarrhoea, chronic thrush, dyspepsia and nervous 
debility, and in some cases of neuralgia, I believe it has no supe- 
rior. 

Until recently, its good effects have been restricted for the want 
of comfortable accommodation, which Mr. Frazier's enterprise has 
so happily afforded in his large, handsome and admirably kept es- 
tablishment, for which he deserves the thanks of the invalid commu- 
nity, and I think will receive it in a substantial form, if we are to 
judge from the popular impression made during the last summer. 

In the class of diseases affecting the uterine organs in almost all 
forms, the influence of this water has been felt most happily in all tho 
cases in which it has been used under my direction. In that deplor- 
able form of disease of this organ, habitual menorrhagia — emptying 
the blood vessels and producing prostration of the muscular and 
nervous systems, and rendering life a miserable load — I have known 
more good to follow the properly restricted use of this water than 
from all other agents combined. The same may be said of fluor 
albus, both vaginal and uterine. Many certificates could be pro- 
duced in support of the foregoing assertions, but as there is now a 
fair opportunity for verification, it would be superfluous. 

I have only attempted to give you some idea of the applicability 
of the water as used and prescribed by me for the last ten years, 
and some of the diseases in which I have found it beneficial. Un- 
der these circumstances, you are at liberty to make such use of it 
as in your judgment may do justice to this new and rising estab- 
lishment. 

Very respectfully, 

Your humble serv% 

A. P. STROTHER. 

Dr. Burke. 

13* 



298 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



CHAPTER XX. 

ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS. 

These Springs are situated in Rockbridge coun- 
ty, on the main road from Lexington to the Warm 
Springs, about 17 miles from the former and 22 
from the latter. The locality is a valley between 
the North mountain on the east and the Mill moun- 
tain on the west. The latter mountain is about 8 
miles across from Millborough to the Springs ; and 
as the road is in some places of a now unusually 
high grade, the drive eastward is tedious. 

Some three j^ears since, all the improvements at 
this place were destroyed by fire, except a few in- 
significant cabins and the stables. It is truly like 
a Phoenix, rising from its ashes, and now bids fair 
to offer attractions equal to many of the older 
Springs. The place, indeed, labors under the dis- 
advantage of being isolated and distant from culti- 
vation of any kind, for the land owned by the pro- 
prietor, Mr. Campbell, is very limited : the rear of 
his buildings is in close proximity to the possessions 
of another, which are as yet in a state of nature. 
This is unfortunate; for, if the valley in that direc- 
tion were cleared for even half a mile, it would add 
greatly to the interest of the place. 

The buildings for the accommodation of visitors 
are: The Main House, fronting north, 60 by 30 feet, 
three stories high, divided as follows: The first floor 
has a passage through the centre, on one side of 
which is a reception-room and a bar-room, and on 



ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS. 299 

the other a chamber. On the second floor is a com- 
fortable parlor and three chambers, and on the third 
are eight chambers. In the rear is a dining-hall, 
125 by 30 feet, one story, and in the rear of this 
are the kitchens, &c. 

At each end of the Main House, but retreating 
from the front, is a house similar in style to the for- 
mer, 40 by 30 feet, two stories, and divided into 
four rooms on each floor. At about 50 feet from 
the ends of the hotel, and forming a semicircle with 
it, run two ranges of cabins, six on each side, each 
divided into four rooms. It will thus be seen that 
there are altogether, or will be, (for the arrange- 
ment was not completed at the time of my visit,) 
76 sleeping apartments, besides a few cabins in the 
rear, which, in their crowded period, are readily 
put up with. 

The lawn, containing by estimate of the proprie- 
tor four acres, was not touched by the hand of art, 
but it was easy to see that it was capable of being 
very handsomely improved ; and, with the build- 
ings, which are of brick and in good taste, as to 
outward appearance, the coup d'ceil promises to be 
very agreeable. 

At the northwest of the valley, and at the eastern 
base of the Mill mountain, are the basins called the 
Alum Springs. The hill forms here a graceful 
curve of almost mathematical regularity, and is 
about 100 feet high. It was so nearly perpendicu- 
lar at some former time, that, being perhaps under- 
mined in some degree by the mountain torrent that 
swept its base, and possibly after a heavy rain, or 
water-spout, which those showers sometimes re- 
semble, an avalanche of the soil took place, and left 
denuded a stratum of clay-slate rock some 80 feet 



800 MINERAL SFKIN0S OF TIKGZNIA* 

in height,, with a southeastern dip. At the bottoms 
five little wells have been cut out of the rock, into 
which oozes the water through the interstices of the 
cliff. A dry wall of sandstone supports the base of 
the hill, and in this are five doors opening on the 
wells. Along the whole front is a shed, resting be- 
hind on the wall and in front upon rude posts. 

It will be recollected that in describing the Bath 
Alum, I stated the manner in which the rain falling 
above on the native bed of the soil, carried with it 
carbonic acid, and by its aid dissolved the alkaline 
substances existing in the clay slate, (for which opi- 
nion I have the authority of Liebig,) and here also 
the same process takes place. After a heavy 
shower, therefore, the humus of the soil yields more 
freely its carbonic acid, by which the solvent power 
of the water is increased, and it is consequently 
found to be much stronger at such times than after 
some days of dry weather. 

It will be found, too, on comparison of the Rock- 
bridge Alum with the Bath Alum, that the former 
is clearer, owing probably to its being better filtered 
from the earthy particles by the deeper stratum of 
rock. Whether this gives it any medicinal supe- 
riority, it is difficult to decide ; but in every other 
visible and sensible quality they are singularly 
similar. 

Of the five wells, so far as my notes are correct, 
the upper one is the weakest, the second and third 
approach each other, and are stronger than the first ; 
the fourth is the most powerful and in greatest de- 
mand, and the fifth is not used. From what I have 
already stated, it has been seen that they differ also 
in strength from themselves, at different times. In 
rainy weather the supply is abundant, but in very 



MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 301 

dry weather it barely suffices for the wants of the 
establishment. A few hundred yards above, at the 
base of the same hill, there is a bold and very fine 
chalybeate, which in many cases, under judicious 
advice, may form a valuable therapeutical adjunct 
to this water. 

Since the former edition of this book, the Rock- 
bridge Alum has twice changed owners at very 
extraordinary advances of price. Last summer it 
was purchased by John W. Frazier, Esq. for the 
sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 
Mr. Frazier, who was sole owner of the Bath Alum 
also, has sold to his brother, and brother-in-law 
Mr. Randolph, half his interest in both establish- 
ments. Improvements on an extensive scale are 
now in progress at the Rockbridge, and it is the 
intention of the owners to prepare comfortable ac- 
commodation by next season for 500 visitors, their 
servants, horses, &c. These enterprising gentle- 
men are also preparing to export large supplies of 
both waters in wood or glass, as may be preferred. 
This enterprise must prove eminently successful, 
for analysis and experience both prove that the 
waters, (very differently from sulphurous waters,) 
lose nothing by transportation. They have another 
advantage, too, in domestic use : they may be used 
for an indefinite time, and in winter and spring with 
as much benefit as in the summer. This fact has 
also suggested to the proprietors the design of keep- 
ing the Rockbridge establishment open through the 
year, and charging a reduced price for board, so 
that persons in moderate circumstances may enjoy 
the use of the water in spring and autumn. For 
this arrangement they will be prepared in the au- 
tumn of 1853. Mr. Frazier himself will reside at 



302 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

the Rockbridge to superintend its management, and 
he is just the man calculated to conduct such an 
establishment. 

Description and Analyses of three Samples of Rockbridge 
Alum Water from Virginia, 

The samples presented perfectly clear, colorless and odorless 
water; the taste was very stringent, with the more lasting impres- 
sion produced by iron salts. In closed vessels the water may be 
heated without becoming turbid, but boiling causes ochry matter to 
fall. In the composition of Rockbridge waters much more of the 
salts of alumina is found than in the Bath Alum water. 

Rockbridge No. 1. 



A standard gallon at 60° F. 


contains — 




Of bases: 


Sodium and soda, 
Potash traces. 


- 


0.250 




Ammonia, 


- 


0.471 




Lime, 


. 


0.594 




Magnesia, 


- 


0.368 




Alumina, 


- 


4.420 




Protoxide of iron, 


- 


1.748 


Of acids: 


Sulphuric acid, 


. 


- 32.626 




Carbonic " 


- 


2.623 




Organic " 


- 


0.930 




Silicic " 


- 


2.460 




Chlorine " 


- 


0.257 grains, 



The changes which take place in these waters by boiling, the 
action of sulphydric acid and salts of silver, indicate that these 
proximate constituents are combined to form the following salts: 



Sulphate of lime, 


1.439 


" magnesia, 


1.081 


Protoxide of iron, 


3.683 


Alumina, 


- 14.764 


Chloride sodium, 


0.423 


Silicate of soda, 


2.544 


Crenate of ammonia, 


1.401 


Free sulphuric acid, - 


- 18.789 


" carbonic acid, 


2.623 




46.747 grains. 


Pure water, 


58325.253 




58372.000 



ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS. 



303 



Sample of Rockbridge Alum No. 2. 



One gallon of this sample measured at 


60° F. conta 


lowing substances — 






As bases: 


Potash, 


. 


0.954 




Sodium, - 


- 


0.401 




Ammonia, 


- 


0.300 




Lime, 


- 


1.346 




Magnesia, 


- 


0.600 




Protoxide of iron, 


- 


2.304 




Alumina, 


- 


5.360 


As acids : 


Sulphuric acid, 


- 


34.219 




Carbonic " 


* 


7.356 




Crenic " 


- 


0.400 




Silicic 


«. 


2.840 




Chlorine " 


- 


0.607 


The acids unite to the bases forming 


salts 


of the 


weights: 










Sulphate of potash, 


- 


1.765 




" lime, 


- 


3.263 




" magnesia, 


- 


1.763 




Protoxide of iron, 


- 


4.863 




Alumina, 


. 


17.905 




Crenate of ammonia, 


- 


0.700 




Chloride of sodium, 


- 


1.008 




Silicic acid, 


- 


2.840 




Free sulphuric acid, 


. 


15.224 




Carbonic " 




7.356 




56,687 




Pure water, 


58315.313 




58372.000 



Sample of Rockbridge Alum No. 4. 



One gallon of this sample 


afforded — 




As bases : Potash traces. 






Sodium, - 


- 


0.173 


Ammonia, 


- 


0.360 


Lime, 


- 


1.346 


Magnesia, 


- 


1.503 


Protoxide of iron 


■j 


2.223 


Alumina, 




7.210 


Organic matter, 


- 


1.020 


Of acids: Sulphuric acid, 


. 


- 29.686 


Carbonic " 


. 


4.203 


Chlorine, " 


- 


.266 


Silicic 




1.710 


Crenic. " 


- 


.860 



304 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Those substances combined as salts give the following con- 
stituents : 



Chloride of sodium, - 


0.439 


Sulphate of lime, 


3.261 


" magnesia, 


4.418 


Protoxide of iron, 


4.693 


Alumina, 


- 24.085 


Crenate of ammonia, 


- 1.220 


Free sulphuric acid, - 


5.511 


" carbonic " 


4.203 


" silicic, " 


1.710 


Organic matter, 


1.020 




50.560 




58321.440 




58372.000 




1 



In comparing these samples with those of the Bath Alum 
Springs, it will be seen that they are more highly acid in composi- 
tion, and contain besides more of the tri-sulphate of alumina in a 
given volume. This salt gives character and activity to these 
waters, and renders them subjects of great interest when used as 
remedial agents. 

Of the waters hitherto described, those from the Oak Orchard 
Acid Mineral Springs, of Alabama, Genessee county, New York, 
approaches most nearly to thie composition. 

The results of an analysis by Dr. James R. Chilton of spring 
No. 1, is given for comparison: 



Spring N(K 1. — 1 gallon contains, 


of 




Free sulphuric acid, 


- 




- 82.96 


Sulphate of lime, 


- 




- 39.60 


Protoxide of iron, 


- 




- 14.32 


Alumina, - 


- 




9.68 


Magnesia, 


- 




8.28 


Silica, 


- 




1.04 


Organic matter, 






3.28 




159.16 grains. 



Containing nearly three times the weight of solid matter in the 
gallon, this water does not afford more than half the amount of tri- 
sulphate of alumina which is found in the average of the Rock- 
bridge Alum Springs. 

The supposed presence of arsenious acid, and the expectation 
that more active bodies than those named would be found, led to 
a careful examination of the black, decomposed shale from which 



ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS, 305 

the Bath Alum water takes its rise. The shale gave sulphates of 
iron, lime and alumina to pure water, and contained an abundance 
of iron pyrites. When two pounds of the clay were decomposed, 
the resulting fluid contained no arsenious acid or copper. The 
earthy part afforded a trace merely of the phosphate of lime. The 
same negative results followed an analysis of the dry mass from 
four gallons of the mixed waters. 

The general conclusions following from the results of these 
analyses are, that the Both Alum Springs, containing more ferrugi- 
nous salts, and having the sulphuric acid more equally neutralized, 
approach more nearly in composition to chalybeate waters. While 
the proportions of the salts to the pure water may vary, the rela- 
tion in kind will be preserved. 

The Rockbridge Alum waters, on the other hand, have their iron 
salts almost masked in their action by the predominance of free 
sulphuric acid and tri-sulphate of alumina. In these, too, we may 
expect the same general relation of kind to prevail, although more 
or less of the salts is present in the water. Both contain a por- 
tion of iron oxide, united to organic compounds, which, indepen- 
dently of the other salts and acids, would constitute them chaly- 
beate waters. In their origin they are quite pure surface waters, 
which percolating strata undergoing decomposition, take from their 
soluble mineral and organic matters. 

Respectfully, 

AUG. A. HAYES, M. D. 

Assayer to State of Mass. 
1 Pine St. Boston, 9th March 1852. 

The distinctions drawn by the chemist between 
these two waters, (Bath and Rockbridge Alum,) 
are so minute and clear, that nothing remains to be 
said on this branch of the subject. Here, however, 
begins the observation of the physician, and it be- 
comes his dut\ r to turn the information he has re- 
ceived to some practical account. 

The great object we had in view in procuring 
the analyses of these waters has been attained, viz: 
their individual and comparative qualities. If the 
reader will take the trouble to compare the analyti- 
cal tables, he will find that in kind (like the Sweet 
and Red Sweet Springs) they are almost identical, 
while in some of the principal ingredients, they 
differ in amount, as, indeed, they also do from 



306 MINERAL SPRINGS OP VIRGINIA, 

themselves. The waters analysed by Dr. Hayes 
were taken in the autumn, when these percolating 
waters are weakest; an analysis of the same waters, 
when taken in the rainy season, would exhibit in- 
creased quantities of the various salts. This it is 
well to recollect, as the quantity of water to be 
drunk should accordingly be varied. In this view 
of the matter, it is quite probable that the maximum 
of alumina in the Bath Alum, in wet weather, would 
reach the maximum of the Rockbridge Alum in dry 
weather. Dr. Hayes tells us that the proportions in 
kind would be preserved. It will occur to the 
medical man at once, that whether there be 3 grs. 
or 5 grs. of alumina in a pint of water, or J a gr. or 
2 grs. of protoxide of iron, or 1 gr. or 3 grs. of free 
sulphuric acid, are matters worthy of considera- 
tion ; and in making his prescription, he should 
have an eye to these distinctions. 

Now, in prescribing these waters, it is necessary, 
in the first place, to form an accurate diagnosis, and 
to consider well what predominant property in 
them is adapted to the constitutional malady under 
which the patient is laboring. 

Is his diathesis scrofulous? Then the water con- 
taining the larger quantity of alumina, and sul- 
phuric and carbonic acids, would be the most 
likely to serve his purpose, and he should therefore 
give a preference to the Rockbridge Alum. But, 
if his patient be a chlorotic female, or an anemic 
male, he should not hesitate to recommend the 
Bath Alum. 

There are many cutaneous diseases, too, in which 
these waters may be extremely useful, and in pre- 
disposition to phthisis owing to scrofulous diathesis, 
we may hope for benefit from them. In diathesis 
of this kind, I would strenuously recommend the 



ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS. 307 

blending with them of the chalybeate in the pro- 
portion of about one-third. But if cough, or any 
physical sign of the existence of the disease be pre- 
sent, then I would not consider the addition of the 
ferruginous water admissible. 

Entertaining the opinion expressed above, I think 
that in cutaneous diseases the Rockbridge Alum 
will prove most efficient. In phthisical diathesis, 
and iti all cases, where, without any active disease, 
the vital force is feeble, I should prefer the Bath 
Alum. In some cases of chronic diarrhoea, in pro- 
lapsus uteri, in menorrhagia, the choice would be 
in favor of the Rockbridge ; while in the debility 
sometimes remaining after hepatic derangement, 
and in some cases of dyspepsia, the Bath waters 
may prove more available. The profession will 
understand that in presenting these opinions, and, 
indeed, all other opinions in this report, it is not my 
intention or wish to claim the right of speaking ex 
cathedra, or laying them down as incontrovertible. 
They are made up from the best lights I have been 
able to procure, but they would be much more 
satisfactory to myself, if in most instances they had 
been founded on a more comprehensive experience. 
There is one remark to be made here with regard 
to the analyses of these waters — that they set 
forever at rest the mischievous, if not malignant, 
reports that have been circulated of poisonous pro- 
perties in them. Arsenious acid and copper have 
been reported by some wiseacre to exist in them. 
Reports of this kind, so easily circulated, and cre- 
dulously believed, calculated not only to injure the 
enterprising proprietors, but to mislead and deceive 
afflicted invalids, deserve to be stamped with repro- 
bation and infamy. I called the attenion of the 
chemist especially to those reports, and asked him 



308 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

to make a strict examination for the alleged noxious 
ingredients; the results are before you, and must be 
satisfactory to all who are not atrociously malignant 
or hopelessly stupid. 

Continuing a comparison of these waters, and 
their adaptation or contra-indication in disease, we 
will perhaps find that, while both are useful in pas- 
sive dropsy, the Bath water is the most available. 
The same may be said of venereal impotence, 
marasmus, neuralgia, and a host of nervous dis- 
eases. In epileptic and apoplectic subjects, neither 
water is likely to suit. In secondary syphilis, the 
Rockbridge Alum has had some reputation. In 
bronchocele, we have heard of no cure performed 
by either water. They contain no iodine, and in 
this disease iodine is the sovereign remedy. In 
diseases of the heart, and in asthma, these waters 
are contra-indicated. In the phosphatic diathesis, 
the Rockbridge Alum will be found useful, and the 
Bath also, but in a less degree. In rheumatism 
and gout, little is to be expected from the Alum 
waters, except so far as the latter may be con- 
nected with dyspepsia, and the former dependent 
on defective innervation. There are other diseases 
I might include in this catalogue, but the view r s I 
have given will, I trust, lead to a correct discrimi- 
nation between these kindred waters. It must be 
gratifying to the friends of the Rockbridge Alum to 
find that its high reputation is amply sustained and 
accounted for by the tests of analysis, while the 
friends of the Bath Alum have abundant reason to 
be satisfied with its similarity to an agent so cele- 
brated ; and the public at large, and the medical 
profession, who have no partialities to indulge, are 
enlightened on a subject of so much importance. 



DAGGERS OR DIBRELLS SPRING. 309 



Daggers or Dibrells Spring is situated in Bote- 
tourt county, in a pretty glade near the western 
base of the Garden mountain, on the main road 
from Lynchburg to the White Sulphur, via Natural 
Bridge, from which it is distant about 14 miles. 

I was informed by the late worthy proprietor, 
Charles L. Dibrell, that the number of visitors 
sometimes reached 200 ; but I should think 150 as 
large a number as could be accommodated with 
any degree of comfort. The buildings are well 
arranged for convenience and effect. The lawn is 
a very beautiful slope, descending from the hotel to 
the spring some 300 yards, and is well shaded by 
fine indigenous trees. Altogether, it is an interest- 
ing spot, and affords to the weary traveler, after a 
long day's journey, a sweet haven of repose and 
quietude, from whence he may retrace, with his 
mind's eye, the magnificent scenery he has just 
passed. 

The following analysis is said to have been fur- 
nished by Prof. Rogers : 

Solid Contents, 

Carbonate of soda, Carbonate of magnesia, 

Sulphate of soda, Peroxide of iron, 

Chloride of sodium, Silica dissolved. 

Organic matter, containing chloride of potassium, nitrogen, car- 
bonate of lime, and carbonate of ammonia. 

Gaseous Contents. 

Carbonic acid, Sulphureted hydrogen, 

Oxygen, Nitrogen. 

This analysis is of little value, and affords but 
slight aid towards the knowledge of the proper use 
of the water. It is much like the Fauquier White 
Sulphur in its perceptible qualities, and has been 
found useful in a large class of diseases to which 
most of the other sulphur waters are applicable. 



310 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



CHAPTER XXL 



FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 

On the 19th of July 1844, after an early break- 
fast, a horseman, accompanied by a young lady, 
also mounted on her palfry, left a comfortable 
hotel at Fredericksburg, and crossing the bridge to 
Falmouth, took the road leading to the Springs. 
The road for several miles from Falmouth was 
rough and the scenery interesting. At the end of 
twelve miles they reached a very plain frame 
house, whitewashed, and at some little distance, 
looking as if the occupant had, benevolently, bored 
holes all over it, for those gay little annual visitors, 
the martens. A nearer view, however, exhibited 
the reality, which was nothing more than circular 
black spots made with lampblack on the white- 
washed boards. The notion was queer; and the 
travelers, deeming it probable that the Spotted 
Tavern might not only serve to afford them shelter 
from a burning sun, but also some amusements, de- 
termined to dismount and explore the premises. 

Reining up their steeds, two lusty negresses, who 
had been scouring the porch with all their might, 
came forward and took charge of the horses, and a 
blast from a horn soon brought up the ostler. En- 
tering the house, the travelers were agreeably sur- 
prised by the neat appearance of everything around 
them. The floor, the furniture, the snow-white 
table-cloth, the clean tea-things, the nice biscuits 



FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 311 

and cool fresh butter — all, all were most inviting. 
The travelers did ample justice to a second break- 
fast. How refreshing it is to one who has been 
living in the city to get into a nice country house ! 
You are so much at your ease— your spirits are 
calmed and tranquilized. Where, too, but in the 
country can you get a draught of clear, cool water 
from the limpid spring or deep well. 

After a day spent most agreeably, partly under a 
beautiful arbor, the travelers mounted for White 
Ridge, distant about eight miles. The view of the 
mountains in approaching this place was pleasing, 
and they had formed altogether favorable anticipa- 
tions. The host and hostess were kind, hut not 
very well prepared to entertain travelers. The 
little up-stairs rooms in which they were sent to 
lodge were so suffocating, that throwing open his 
window, the elder traveler lay across his bed, with 
his head on the widow-sill, to try and inhale a little 
fresh air, while his more delicate companion was 
suffering all the tortures which such an atmos- 
phere could inflict. How they rejoiced at " the 
morning's first beam !" How hurriedly they hud- 
dled on their clothes, and descended to the porch, 
and looking out upon the hills, inhaled the balmy 
air ! Here, too, they exclaimed, is the lovely coun- 
try ; but it is distance alone that lends enchant- 
ment — so let us mount and breakfast in Germantown. 

The travelers did mount and entertained them- 
selves by speculating on the subject of German- 
town ; how many stores and blacksmith shops and 
taverns were in this imaginary village. They were 
told that after riding ten miles they must turn off a 
little from the main road ; and having followed di- 
rections, there suddenly burst upon their view the 



312 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Germantown Inn, alone in its glory. It was a frame 
house, Low Dutch in appearance, having a ne- 
glected air, and the best looking furniture it pos- 
sessed seemed to consist of white-headed children. 
They would have felt much more interest in it had 
they then known it was the birth-place of the late 
illustrious Chief Justice Marshall. 

But, alas f there did not seem then to be a vestige 
of the refinement and cultivation that must once 
have graced it. In a valley at some distance there 
appeared to be the house of an opulent person, but 
w r ith that exception the neighborhood seemed deso- 
late and the land much worn. I recollect perfectly 
a man, who was either a schoolmaster or a shoe- 
maker, and who came with or for the mail, and 
who discoursed most eloquently on all the political 
topics of the day. He was an ardent Whig and 
Clay man, and talked " like a book." The tariff. 
Missouri compromise, internal improvements, &c. 
he had at his fingers' ends — I might have said at 
his tongue's end — but that had no end. This man 
was a rich specimen of the genus Yankee. He 
asked questions, and answered them to his own 
satisfaction, guessed most flippantly, knew every 
man's business, and seemed (in this alone he was 
no Yankee) to care very little about his own. His 
advent was fortunate, for it was the only green 
spot in our visit, the place being destitute of every 
comfort. After some rest, we mounted our horses 
again and reached the Fauquier Springs about noon, 
hungry, thirsty and exhausted. 

How delightful it is, after some privations, to re- 
turn again to the comforts of civilized life ! Such 
contrasts give a zest to enjoyment unknown to per- 
sons always immersed in unintermitting luxury. 



FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 3lo 

After such a travel, a warm bath, a glass of lemon- 
ade, a tempting luncheon, a nice couch — how sooth- 
ing, how refreshing, how exhilarating ! 

It appears from a report now before me, that the 
medicinal qualities of the Mineral Spring were 
known and highly appreciated in the neighborhood 
long before it became an object of general resort. 
The resort of the neighborhood was constant and 
persevering, and caused such interruption to the 
farm operations of the former proprietors, that it 
induced one of them to fill up the spring ; but so 
clearly had its value been established, that Mr. 
Lee was induced to purchase it, with the view to 
open it to the public. His experiment was at first 
on a small scale, but the throng of visitors soon de- 
monstrated the expediency of more extended ope- 
rations and a greater outlay of capital. Mr. Green 
united with Mr. Lee in the enterprise. They have 
planned and executed improvements better calcu- 
lated to promote the comfort and please the tastes 
of visitors, than are to be found at any other water- 
ing place in the state. The buildings already con- 
structed might accommodate S00 guests, and are 
so contrived as to admit of indefinite enlargement 
without deranging the symmetry of the plan. 

The improvements are, a pavilion, 188 feet long 
and four stories high, with a grand portico on its 
western aspect, overlooking the lawn and a long 
line of diversified country. I have seen nothing to 
compare with this magnificent promenade — I mean, 
of course, in the country. On the eastern aspect, it 
was the design of the proprietors to erect a similar 
portico, and to connect that front with another 
pavilion east of it, 100 feet long and four stories 
high; but when the timbers were all ready, the 

14 



314 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

workshop was destroyed by fire — and this part of 
the design remaining unexecuted, gives an unfi- 
nished appearance to this front of the great pavilion. 
Besides the two great pavilions just described, 
there are two large brick buildings, three stories 
high— two others 56 feet long each, and two stories 
high, and twelve other brick buildings, 56 feet long 
each — (all covered with slate except one,) the bath- 
house and the spring-house 

All these improvements and 1184 acres of land, 
together with a tract of 1750 acres, lying south of 
the Rappahannock river, were conveyed in August 
1837 to a company, in 2500 shares, at $68 per 
share, making for the whole $ 170,000, by the then 
proprietors, Thomas Green and Hancock Lee. By 
this company it has since been held. 

The interior arrangements of the pavilions and 
cabins are well calculated to afford comfort. The 
ball-room, drawing-room, dining-room and parlors 
are all spacious and suitably furnished. In the 
bottom of the vale (what the Romans would call 
convallzs) is the mineral spring, suitably enclosed 
and protected by a pavilion. 

I regret that it is not in my power to lay before 
the public an analysis of this water. But it is the 
duty of the proprietors of all those springs to have 
an analysis made, and it is to be hoped they will 
see their interest in gratifying the public with in- 
formation so essential. 

Judging from those qualities perceptible to the 
senses, the Fauquier White Sulphur is probably ap- 
plicable to most of the diseases for which recourse 
is had to the Western Sulphur Springs. It is a 
light, agreeable water ; and if not as highly charged 
w r ith gases and salts as the former, it may never- 



FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 315 

theless be very valuable as a curative agent ; and 
indeed its reputation, acquired by an experience of 
its value for so many years, is the best test of its 
power over disease. 

This establishment is now leased from the com- 
pany by Thomas Green, Esq., for whom it is ma- 
naged by Col. Ward, an attentive landlord and 
highly respectable gentleman. Its accessibility 
from Washington, Baltimore, Alexandria, Rich- 
mond, &c, the elegance of the improvements, the 
style of living, the gaiety of its society, its tourna- 
ments, its fine climate, the intrinsic value of the 
waters — its comfortable bathing establishment — 
all these insure to the Fauquier White Sulphur a 
permanent and progressive patronage. 

It is now some years since I have been at the 
Fauquier White Sulphur, and I write, in some 
measure, from memory, of what I saw during a 
brief visit. It is, however, a place not easily for- 
gotten by one who claims to admire everything, 
beautiful in nature. It is capable of still higher 
improvement, and no doubt will one day or other 
be much more extended than it is at present. 

The grounds are beautifully laid out, and diver- 
sified by walks, flowers and shrubberies. A true 
mark of taste in the arrangement of public grounds, 
is the study of convenience. Here, from the centre 
of the pavilion to the spring, there is a grand walk, 
the sides of which are richly ornamented with 
flowering shrubs, and diverging from it are numerous 
serpentine walks leading to the cottages that com- 
plete the semicircle. On the main avenue there is 
a pretty fountain, in which are seen beautiful gold 
fish., displaying their burnished sides in the bright 
rays of the sun for the amusement of the visitors, 
especially the children and nursery maids. 



316 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA* 



CHAPTER XXII. 

JORDANS WHITE SULPHUR. 

A tract of country, extending in length 16 miles, 
and in width about 3 miles, denominated the "Pine 
Barren," lies in the bosom of the fertile limestone 
region constituting the eastern portion of Frederick 
county; and in this region, 6 miles from Winches- 
ter and lj from Stephensons depot, is the mineral 
water known as Jordans Spring. The subsoil here 
is clay-slate; the soil thin and easily exhausted. 
Lime, from its more fortunate neighborhood, has 
been used with advantage. In return, nature, as if 
to compensate for her stinted fruitfulness, enables it 
to offer its healing waters— a boon, perhaps, more 
valuable than lime. In limestone regions, dysen- 
tery frequently prevails as an epidemic, or endemic, 
and there is no belter refuge from it than a transi- 
tion to a poor, healthy district like this, possessing 
waters essentially different in their character. This 
should not be considered, therefore, as a dark spot , 
but as a provision of nature for health and comfort. 

The spring rises in a vale of several acres, sur- 
rounded by hills of moderate elevation. The place 
has a quiet, rural appearance, but to a lover of the 
picturesque it presents little of interest. It is just 
such a place as parents would desire for their chil- 
dren, where they might gambol and enjoy them- 
selves, free from the dangers that sometimes attend 
places of public resort. The grounds a re* very little 
ornamented. They are shaded by aspens, syca- 



JORDANS WHITE SULPHUR. 317 

mores and willows. The spring issues from a 
stratum of black slate, like all the sulphur waters, 
and, indeed, some of the finest saline waters. The 
water is confined in a wooden box, about 16 inches 
square and 3 feet deep, which is surmounted by an 
octagon structure erected on columns. 

There is no analysis of this water. Its tempe- 
rature is 58°. It is a pleasant sulphur water, com- 
bines well with soap, and gives a soft velvet feeling 
to the skin. We may infer from the geological 
character of the region in which it appears, that it 
is to a great degree exempt from the irritating sub- 
stances that impregnate the waters of limestone 
districts. In this respect, as well as in its tempe- 
rature, it bears a striking resemblance to Orricks 
Spring, near Bath, a brief notice of which will be 
found in my remarks on the Berkeley Springs. It 
is not probable the Jordan Spring will ever attract 
a very large company, or gain any wide-spread 
celebrity as a medicinal agent, but it will be found 
a good diuretic, a safe alterative, and useful in 
many of the forms of chronic disease to which sul- 
phur waters are applicable. 

The arrangements of the establishment are plain, 
but comfortable, and sufficient for the accommoda- 
tion of 150 visitors. Mr. Jordan, the proprietor, 
resides there, and is a kind host and agreeable gen- 
tleman, , 



318 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



CHAPTER XXIIL 

HEALING SPRINGS. 

South of the Hot Springs, and at the distance of 
3J miles, are the waters known by the above aus- 
picious name. They are as yet unimproved, and 
therefore might with propriety be omitted in this 
report ; but as they are in some respects peculiar, 
and waters of great probable value, a brief notice 
of them may not prove uninteresting. 

They are situated in a gorge of the mountains, 
near the road to the celebrated " Falling Spring," 
one of the curiosities of this region. Turning from 
this road through a grove of fine forest trees, you 
descend a steep and rugged hill, at the base of 
which is a branch, dry in the summer. Crossing 
this, you reach a piece of ground so covered with 
cropping sandstone that it is difficult to make your 
way over it. Amidst these loose, disjointed rocks 
rise two of the springs, one of which is excavated 
so as to form a little pool enclosed w r ith a pen of 
logs, and used for bathing. The other, a few feet 
distant, is confined in a rude reservoir, and used for 
drinking. In a field, some 200 yards lower down, 
there is a third spring, also formed into a pool, and 
used as a bath by the neighbors and casual inva- 
lids. This is distinguished by the name of the 
" Tooth-ache Spring. 5 ' I tested all these springs 
with a good thermometer, and found the tempera- 
ture uniformly 84°, when that of the surrounding 
atmosphere was 80°. A water more clear, light, 



HEALING SPRINGS. 319 

exhilarating, I have never seen. I tried to persuade 
the proprietor to furnish me with an analysis, but 
failed. This is one of the difficulties I have en- 
countered in my efforts to illustrate the virtues of 
the mineral waters. 

In their composition they are apparently very 
like the Sweet Springs, or perhaps more so to the 
Red Sweet, since the chalybeate flavor is more dis- 
tinct than that of the former. Like the springs 
mentioned, the}' bubble up from the ground. They 
are probably much purer of sulphate and carbon- 
ate of lime than either, and contain, also, less car- 
bonic acid. This is partly to be inferred from the 
sandstone stratum from which they proceed, and 
from the indications afforded by the deposit left by 
them in the course of the stream. The tufa so 
characteristic of the other waters is also found here, 
but by no means in the same proportion, proving 
that although they contain thdse salts, they are in 
smaller quantity. 

From a water thus constituted, we should expect 
a mild tonic and alterative effect, and so far as we 
have been able to collect information from Dr. 
Strother, and other intelligent sources, such has 
been their action. It is said they have almost a 
specific effect in rheumatism, in sprains, in the cure 
of tetter, scrofulous ulcers, and in all the cutaneous 
diseases. Indeed, if you were to listen to the neigh- 
bors, you must concede to them miraculous powers. 
That the water is a peculiar one in several respects 
there is no doubt, and as to its temperature, it 
stands alone in the Springs region. On the confines 
of the cold and warm, it is the most delightful 
bath that can be imagined. I plunged into it by 
way of experiment, and remained in 12 minutes, 



320 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

and a greater luxury in bathing I have never en- 
joyed. It is the only water I have met with of a 
temperature that may be denominated tepid, and 
therefore possesses -advantages of no ordinary cha- 
racter. With the least possible shock to the sys- 
tem, it gradually abstracts from it its superabun- 
dant caloric. In enfeebled constitutions, therefore, 
it will probably prove a more efficacious bath and 
more appropriate than the Warm, Hot, Sweet, or 
Red Sweet. It will admit of exercise in bathing, 
which the Hot and Warm do not, if administered 
properly. 

In rheumatism I shall not be surprised if it gains 
a celebrity equal to either, for, as I shall have oc- 
casion to remark more at large hereafter, it is a 
great mistake to suppose that all cases of this dis- 
ease require or will admit of the Hot Bath. 

The whole scene, now, is as rude and wild as 
nature can make it, but it is just such a place as 
a man of genuine taste could render eminently pic- 
turesque and interesting. If improved with judg- 
ment, and rendered accessible by turning the great 
western road that way, which can easily be done, 
it will prove a great acquisition to the neighboring 
group, and especially to the Hot Sjmngs, and will 
rapidly grow into favor with those for whom the 
waters of its class are appropriate. I am pleased 
to learn, since the above remarks were written, that 
the proprietors are engaged in erecting here a hotel 
for public accommodation. During the last season 
these Springs weve visited by numerous persons, 
many of whom are said to have camped out for the 
purpose of using the waters, 



SHANNONDALE SPRINGS. 321 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



SHANNONDALE SPRINGS. 



These Springs are in Jefferson county, 5J miles 
from Charlestown, on a peninsula of the Shenan- 
doah, aptly denominated the "Horse Shoe." The 
peninsula includes 190 acres, the heel being attach- 
ed to the base of the Blue Ridge. As you ap- 
proach the river, the gracefulness of its curve, the 
unbroken lines of varied and noble trees that adorn 
its banks, the placid, lake-like appearance of the 
water, excite your admiration ; but when you enter 
the wherry, and look more dearly on the dark 
green waters, your admiration and pleasure are 
greatly enhanced. Ascending the bank, j-ou now 
wind along it about a quarter of a mile, and then 
enter the law^n of Shannondale. From a plain of 
about 30 acres there arises a hill of equal extent, 
and of gradual ascent, to an elevation of about 130 
feet. Half way up this hill are the hotel and cabins 
erected for visitors. Ascending to the summit you 
have in view the whole scene, including two-thirds 
of the horizon. The remainder is excluded only 
by a dense grove that intercepts the sight. That 
which will first attract attention is the beautiful ri- 
ver, by w 7 hose limpid waters you are separated from 
the surrounding world, and whose stream the eye 
seems anxious to pursue from that quiet cove in the 
south, where it begins its ambient course, to that 
point at the northeast where it is lost to your vision 
in a deep and narrow defile. Next the observer 
examines in detail all the adjuncts of the scene, and 
14* 



322 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

they are numerous and picturesque. Looking to the 
west and north, you have an elevated, fertile and 
highly cultivated region, diversified by hill and dale, 
ornamented here by fine isolated trees, there, by 
groves and skirts of wood-land, enlivened by herds 
of cattle and flocks of sheep, and exhibiting exten- 
sive fields of yellow wheat and green indian corn. 
In this range of the eye, and just across the river, 
is the imposing mansion of Geo. W. Peters, Esq. 
Looking north, a view of the distant country is in- 
tercepted by a bluff rising immediately over the 
river. The placid form of the river changes here, 
and is succeeded by a rapid, interrupted stream. 
A limestone crag, called the " Lovers Leap, 55 rises 
to a perpendicular height of 120 feet, and is sur- 
mounted by a dense grove. This is an object that 
would well deserve the pencil of an artist. From 
this rock to where the river disappears, the northern 
bank retains its primitive wildness. Diverted from 
that to the south, the eye follows the Blue Ridge 
until it is lost in the horizon. 

After the visitor is satisfied with beholding dis- 
tant objects, he next examines the grounds around, 
and finds in them all the simplicity of nature — 
" when unadorned, adorned the most." This 
maxim is far from being universally true, however, 
and certainly it is not so here. Nature is, indeed, 
the substantive part of all beauty, but judicious art 
softens her harshness, conceals her obliquities, em- 
bellishes her ruggedness, clothes her nudity, and 
gives prominence to her perfections. Landscape is 
best seen by glimpses. It must neither be shrouded 
up by too much shade, like a Turkish woman, 
whose veil no eye can penetrate, nor yet nude and 
uncovered like the bold and forward woman, who 



SHANNONDALE SPRINGS. 323 

exposes her bosom and shoulders to the gaze of 
foppish impertinence. In this respect Shannondale 
is favored, being studded over with fine elms, oaks, 
sycamores, and other indigenous trees. 

The buildings are ordinary, but sufficient to en- 
tertain 120 visitors. 

There are three springs, one of which only seems 
to be in general use. The stream is very moderate. 
The temperature 63°. The water is clearly cha- 
lybeate, and contains no inconsiderable amount of 
the usual salts, though in what proportions cannot 
be stated, as there is no analysis worthy of reliance. 
Its geological position is in a limestone district. It 
is stimulating and tonic, and may be used in the 
same conditions of the system as the Sweet and 
Red Sweet Springs. It is in most instances aperient, 
and acts favorably as a diuretic. It has some re- 
semblance to the celebrated water of Bedford, in 
Pennsylvania, but neither with this nor the other 
springs with which it has been classed, can it com- 
pare as a medicinal agent. In convalescence from 
hepatic disease, and in many other conditions in 
which a tonic is admissible, it will prove useful. 
Alternated in its use with Jordans Spring, it may 
be a great convenience and advantage to the neigh- 
boring population, but it will never probably attain 
much distinction by its curative powers. 

To the lover of beautiful scenery, to the angler, 
to the fowler, to him who delights in solitary ram- 
bles, to the man of poetic temperament, to the 
lover, to the day-dreamer, Shannondale presents 
unsurpassed attractions. Such a man would be 
willing to imagine the Shenandoah the veritable 
Lethe, drink its waters, and forget the cares, the 
sorrows, the troubles of the world bevond. 



824 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA, 



CHAPTER XXV. 



BERKELEY SPRINGS. 



Bath, the county town of Morgan, is situated in a 
handsome valley, near the great railroad from Bal- 
timore to Cumberland, 130 miles from the former 
and 49 from the latter. Visitors leave the railroad 
at Sir Johns depot, and reach the Springs in coaches, 
by a good mountain road 2J miles in length. 

The little metropolis contains the usual edifices — * 
a court-house and a jail, and moreover, a Catholic 
and a Methodist church. The great sources of in- 
terest and attraction here are its Mineral Springs, 
originally called the Frederick Springs, sometimes 
the Warm Springs, but now known as the Berkeley 
Springs. These Springs were the first known, as, 
assuredly, they are among the most important of 
the mineral waters of Virginia. They were fre- 
quented before the Revolution, and visited by Wash- 
ington and other distinguished personages, who had 
cottages erected for their own accommodation. The 
property of these Springs was originally vested in 
Thomas Lord Fairfax, who made a grant of a few- 
acres of land and the water privileges to the state, 
reserving to his own use one spring, still known as 
" Lord Fairfax's Spring, 5 ' and thereon obtained a 
charter for laying off fifty acres as the site of a town, 
which was accordingly laid off' and partially built 
upon. The state grounds and water privileges 
were vested in a body of trustees, whose successors 
continue to govern and control them. 



BERKELEY SPRINGS. 325 

The Springs issue from the base of the " Warm 
Springs Ridge," which, running on the west of the 
valley, rises at an angle of about 35° to an average 
height of 400 feet. The mountain side is clothed 
with a dense forest of trees of the usual variety and 
connected with the vale — 

"The vale in whose bosom the sweet waters meet," 

by numerous walks and terraces. A lovely grove 
of three or four acres contains the Springs and their 
appendages. 

The Springs are four in number. The lowest is 
surmounted by an edifice resting on ten columns, 
having a spacious room above used as a lounge for 
gentlemen. It is called the "Gentlem^ns Spring,' 5 
and supplies water to the " Gentlemens Baths." It 
is exceedingly copious, yielding several hundred 
gallons in a minute. 

Next to this Spring is that known as Lord Fair- 
fax's Spring. It is uncovered, and its waters run 
waste, though abundant enough to supply baths for 
hundreds. 

A few yards above Fairfax's, is the " Ladies 
Spring." This is a copious and beautiful fountain, 
covered by a Pagoda resting on columns. It also 
is open above, and is usually occupied by the 
band and some of the visitors. It commands a 
view of the whole grove and of the numerous groups 
that are enjoying its shade, sitting under the trees, 
or treading the walks that wind in every direction. 

Above the " Ladies Spring" there is yet another, 
small and uncovered, from which, during the season, 
the inhabitants of the village procure their supplies 
of water. 

Such are the Springs of Bath, supplying 1,000 to 



326 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

],500 gallons in a minute, and in this respect ap- 
proximating more nearly than any other the Warm 
Springs of Bath county. Two streams, proceeding 
from them and passing through the grounds, unite 
just below, and form a rivulet called the Warm 
Springs Run, which enters the Potomac opposite 
Hancock in Maryland. 

The bathing conveniences here are extensive and 
judiciously planned. They consist of the Gentle- 
mens Baths, the Ladies Baths, and the Shoiver, 
Douche and Warm Baths. 

The house in which are the gentlemens baths, is 
two stories high. The lower story is divided into 
ten apartments, containing each a reservoir 12 feet 
long b}r 5 feet wide, and supplied by a large and 
rapid spout. These reservoirs are coated with ce- 
ment, and contain each 1600 gallons of water. The 
apartments all open on a long and closed vestibule, 
used as a dressing-room. 

The Ladies Baths are similarly arranged, but the 
house is older, and either requires repairs, or, as I 
hear the trustees contemplate, the erection of a new 
building. Adjoining this there is another building, 
new and more imposing, in which there are two 
ranges of 5 apartments each, containing shower, 
douche and artificially warm and tepid baths. 
They are well contrived, being supplied from a 
reservoir above, which is filled by a water ram. 
There are still wanting here two swimming pools — 
one for ladies, and one for gentlemen, similar to 
those at the Sweet Springs. 

These we understand the trustees are determined 
to supply, and when this is done, Berkeley will far 
surpass all the Springs of Virginia in facilities for 
bathing. One hundred persons may then bathe at 
one time in their waters. 



BERKELEY SPRINGS. 327 

The temperature of the Springs is 74° — that of 
the Bath is something lower. I deeply regret my 
inability to gratify the profession by laying before 
them an analysis of these noble fountains, hit so it 
is. They have belonged to the state since 1776, 
yet we are almost as ignorant now of their compo- 
sition as those who lived under the colonial govern- 
ment. The mountain at the base of which they 
rise is sandstone, but the stratum through which 
they issue is black slate. They are limpid and soft, 
and evidently alkaline ; indeed, the taste of mag- 
nesia is quite palpable. They combine with soap, 
and leave the skin soft and unctuous. 

In rheumatic affections, they have a high reputa- 
tion, and of long standing ; nay, a specific power is 
claimed for them in this disease, and of this it is 
said ocular demonstration is annually given by an 
array of crutches left here as shipwrecked mariners 
formerly hung up their dripping garments in the 
temple of Neptune. 

That they possess much power in several forms 
of this disease, in gout, neuralgia, dyspepsia and 
other diseases to which alkaline waters are adapted, 
there can be but little doubt. In dyspepsia, at- 
tended with acidity ; in lithic acid gravel ; in affec- 
tions of the mucous membrane of the alimentary 
canal ; in bronchitis ; in monorrhagia, dysmenor- 
rhea and amenorrhoea ; in chlorosis and constitu- 
tional debility, generally ; in that nervous irrita- 
bility usually the accompaniment of dyspepsia ; in 
chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, and the summer 
complaint of children, these waters must possess 
decided value. They are mild and safe, appa- 
rently very pure from irritating earthy substances, 
and therefore of the class called sedative. They 



328 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

are, in this respect, totally opposite to the Sweet 
and Red Sweet Springs — the latter making their 
first impression on the system by stimulation, and 
these by sedation. This fact will be instructive to 
the physician, and enable him to assign to each its 
peculiar agency and merit. Let us suppose a case: 
A patient applies for advice under these circum- 
stances: he is suffering from dyspepsia, with acidity 
of stomach, flatus, pulse quick, nervous system ir- 
ritable, headach, temper fretful, bowels irregular, 
urine high colored. Which of the waters we have 
been treating of would be most likely to afford re- 
lief? Assuredly, Berkeley Springs. 

This water being light, soft and free from irritat- 
ing salts, would quiet the stomach, its mild alka- 
line quality would tend to modify the too acid se- 
cretions; digestion would proceed with less impedi- 
ment ; the head would participate in the calm ; the 
nervous system generally would be tranquilized ; 
the excited action of the arteries would cease ; the 
feeling of wretchedness and fear of impending evil 
would be removed, and the whole man restored to 
gaiety and hopefulness. But send such a patient 
to the Sweet or Red Sweet Springs, and it is pro- 
bable that all these symptoms would be aggravated. 
How bountiful is nature! In the Sweet and Red 
Sweet Springs, she gives us waters highly stimu- 
lant and roborant, adapted to restoring and invigo- 
rating the exhausted powers, and here she gives us 
decided sedatives to calm the irritability of the tis- 
sues, and bring them into rythmical and harmo- 
nious action. 

It is its sedative quality that renders it so efficient 
in rheumatism also. Among the great mass of the 
people there is an opinion prevalent that the hot 



BERKELEY SPRINGS. 329 

bath alone is useful in this disease. But the medi- 
cal man, who knows its Protean character, will not 
make this mistake. Undoubtedly the Hot and 
Warm Springs are the most effective remedy in 
many cases of chronic rheumatism ; but suppose 
the disease has attacked the heart, what physician 
in his senses woold direct his patient to those wa- 
ters? In neuralgic rheumatism also, and in cases 
simulating gout, and in the gouty diathesis, the 
Berkeley water would afford far greater probability 
of relief. That the hot bath removes rheumatism 
by its stimulating power, we have abundant proof 
in the fact that it invariably increases the pains and 
brings on the acute form before relief is experienced. 
Cases of chronic gout, too, are only relieved by pro- 
ducing an acute attack in some circumscribed posi- 
tion. This is not the case with the cold bath at 
Berkeley. The former acts by concentration, the 
latter by diffusion. The former throws the whole 
weight on a single part, and brings the remainder 
of the system, by a healthy action, to the rescue of 
that part ; the latter diffuses the peccant property 
through this system, dilutes it, and removes it fi- 
nally with less disturbance of the part primarily af- 
fected. In rheumatism and gout, therefore, the hot 
and highly charged saline waters, while most effi- 
cacious in several forms of those diseases, would 
be contra-indicated in others, and in these last, the 
cooler, milder, sedative waters, such as Berkeley 
and Capon, hold out the best chances for relief. 
The Healing Springs, if ever brought into general 
use, will probably, in many cases, prove superior to 
all the bathing waters as yet known in Virginia, 
possessing as they do a temperature that makes a 
very slight draft on that of the body and on its phy- 



330 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

sical powers, while it is as pure perhaps from saline 
matter as the waters of Berkeley or Capon. When 
we speak of the bathing waters, we mean to be un- 
derstood as also advising their internal use. Both, 
in serious cases, should be regulated by the advice 
of a physician. 

The baths of Berkeley are certainly delightful — 
not, perhaps, giving you such a feeling of elasticity 
as the Sweet Springs ; but calming and tranquiliz- 
ing your system, making you pleased with yourself 
and all around you. Let me however not be mis- 
understood. When I class this water as a sedative, 
I do not mean to say that it should be used in every 
case in which a sedative is indicated. Used only 
as a drink, and in moderation, it might be perfectly 
safe ; but in serious organic diseases of the lungs, 
heart, &c, no intelligent physician would advise a 
plunge into cold water any more than into a hot 
bath. In such cases, extremes are to be avoided, 
as any sudden revulsion might be followed by se- 
rious consequences. In hectic as well as in other 
fevers, sponging with cold water is comforting and 
highly serviceable, but this is a very different thing 
from a cold plunge or a cold shower. This bath 
would, doubtless, in such cases, be more innocent 
than the Sweet or Red Sweet or Hot Springs, yet 
I would not advise it in organic diseases of the 
heart or lungs, because all observation leads to the 
conclusion that, in such conditions, bathing, except 
in degrees somewhat below the temperature of the 
blood is hurtful From 84° to 94° would probably 
be the most favorable, and then the waters should 
not be highly charged with gases, nor largely im- 
pregnated with saline ingredients. 

I fear I shall be thought too specific in these dis- 



BERKELEY SPRINGS. 331 

tinctions, but they seemed to me important, and at 
all events, I look for my apology in my anxious de- 
sire to throw all possible light on the subject. 

The waters of Berkeley are destined to great 
celebrity, and there is no reason why Bath, Vir- 
ginia Bath, may not, in time, rival the fame of its 
European namesake. It is a treasure to the eastern 
cities, worth- more than the richest placer of Califor- 
nia. It is impossible that advantages such as the 
Berkeley Springs possess can be much longer over- 
looked. We shall see a beautiful village spring up 
here, ornamental cottages erected, refinement and 
elegance prevailing, parents delighting in the joy- 
ous gambols of their children, and happy children 
disporting in these lucid waters. 

The number of visitors now varies from four to 
six hundred. The village, we are told, can accom- 
modate eight hundred. There are two hotels here, 
one " Strother's Hotel," owned and kept by Mr. 
Strother, the other owned and kept by Mr. O. Fer- 
ral. The former can accommodate 400 guests, the 
latter 200. It would be foreign from the design of 
this work to enter into detailed descriptions of the 
arrangements at our watering places ; but I may be 
permitted to say that at none of those places have 
I seen such attention paid to convenience and com- 
fort as at Strother ] s Hotel. System, good manage- 
ment, good taste, are visible throughout the estab- 
lishment ; and these conduce in no slight degree to 
the recovery of the invalid, as well as to the satis- 
faction of the votaries of pleasure. The hotel of 
Mr. O. Ferral also is said to be well managed. 



332 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



ORRICKS SULPHUR SPRING. 

About 3J miles from Bath, near the road to Han- 
cock, and on the " Warm Spring Run," there is a 
Sulphur Spring, known as Orricks Spring. It is 
unimproved. The temperature is 58°. It is a very 
delicious water. One day or other it will be of 
some importance. I notice it here, in connection 
with the Berkeley Springs, being well satisfied that, 
if a. good communication is ever made between it 
and them, it will be found an admirable auxiliary to 
those waters. 



CAPON SPRINGS. 333 

CHAP. XXVL 

CAPON SPRINGS. 

Capon, or Watsontown, is situated near the south- 
em extremity of Hampshire county, 23 miles south- 
west of Winchester, whence it is reached by a 
mountainous but admirable road: it is at the wes- 
tern base of the North mountain. 

Descending the mountain, through vistas in the 
forest., white masses are indistinctly seen, which, on 
a nearer view, you find to be the extremity of a 
mountain ridge standing precipitously in cliffs of 
white sandstone over the deep gorge you have now 
reached. These cyclopean walls, interspersed with 
pine and other trees, and reaching an elevation of 
six hundred feet, afford a scene eminently pictur- 
esque. Turning the angle of this mountain, where 
it has evidently been sundered by the mighty floods, 
through a very narrow gap, you enter Capon. The 
valley of Capon is a narrow defile ranging from one 
hundred to four hundred feet, and extending 3 J miles 
to the Capon or Cacapon river. Near the latter it 
expands somewhat, affording one or two little culti- 
vated spots. 

The mountain to which I have alluded is called 
" Bear Ridge ;" and on its southern and western as- 
pects has the same grand and picturesque appear- 
ance as it presents on the southeast. Here, too, the 
masses are more distinct and insulated, several of 
which you might imagine to be colossal statues 
erected to the memory of the mighty dead. This 



834 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

is the Barren Rock to which Mr. Webster pointed in 
his speech at Capon, that has been so highly and 
so justly praised. 

At the base of this mountain, under a pile of 
loose rocks, apparently detached from a higher po- 
sition, precipitated therefrom and arrested here, 
there bubbles up the beautiful fountain that gives 
its principal interest to the scene. It is precisely 
as nature left it, and this is the best evidence 
of good taste we have met with here. At almost 
all the other watering places attempts have been 
made to beautify the fountains by erecting over 
them structures more or less costty. It but mars 
that interesting simplicity which we look for in 
such situations, just as if you were to put a three- 
cocked hat on the head of a ploughman in his shirt 
sleeves. The water is conducted from the spring 
to a large, square and deep reservoir, whence the 
baths are supplied. 

Just within the entrance, and above the spring, 
is an open frame building called the Pavilion, used 
as a lounging place. A little below the spring are 
some old taverns on both sides of the road, suffi- 
cient to lodge 150 persons, and about 100 yards 
lower down, is the vast building called the " Moun- 
tain House," one of the largest structures in the 
southern country. The front is 236 by 40 feet, and 
5 stories high. It has a portico 200 feet long, 16 
wide and 35 high. This is erected on columns of 
the Doric order, 3 feet in diameter, and as may 
well be supposed, it is grand and imposing. The 
wing of this building is 196 by 40 feet, 5 stories 
high. These dimensions will give some idea of its 
internal capacity. The dining-hall is 236 by 40 
feet, and can seat 1,000 guests. It is said the 



CAPON SPKINGS. 335 

" Mountain House" alone can lodge six hundred. 
The whole accommodation of the place, therefore? 
is equal to about 750 visitors. 

Immediately across the road from the hotel, but 
having a neat area some 40 feet deep, in front 
stands the Bathing Establishment, at the base of the 
opposite mountain. 

This structure consists of a central building, 
two stories high, and 42 by 30 feet. It contains 
rooms for the trustees and parlors for the bathers, 
From it there extend two wings, each 119 by 20 
feet and one story high. The whole front, 280 feet, 
presents a beautiful colonnade, which is not only 
attractive to the eye, but affords ample space for 
exercise to the bathers — an important advantage in 
bad weather. The range for gentlemen is divided 
into 20 rooms ,* that for the ladies into 17. The 
reservoirs are walled and floored with brick and 
plastered with hydraulic cement. They are filled 
by siphons. In some of the apartments there are 
conveniences for shower and douche baths } and a 
few are fitted for administering artificially warm 
and tepid baths. The revenue from these baths, as 
also that at the Berkeley springs, accrues to the trus- 
tees, and is expended, in both places, on the im- 
provements of the baths, grounds &c. 

We may now return to the Sping. There is no 
analysis of these waters, nor does there seem to be 
any desire on the part of the trustees or the pro- 
prietors of the hotel, so far as I could learn, to 
procure one. The former have expended ninety 
thousand dollars on their buildings, and grudge one 
hundred dollars, or less, for an analysis. There is 
a very preposterous idea abroad, to which I have 
already alluded, that a mineral water must lose 



336 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

confidence, unless it exhibit a large and diversified 
amount of mineral ingredients. I have exposed 
the fallacy of this opinion, and shown, that the 
very great freedom of some waters from mineral 
impregnation is the secret of their virtue. This is 
conspicuous in the Red Sulphur; and I have little 
doubt that to their purity the waters of Berkeley 
and Capon springs also are indebted for their ad- 
mirable adaptation to several diseases. The spring 
discharges, probably, 100 gallons of water in a 
minute ; its temperature is 66°. In the great reser- 
voir, the temperature is 64°. The water is clear, 
light, pleasant and tasteless, except, perhaps, the 
slightest possible alkaline flavor. It probably con- 
tains carbonate of soda. Like the Berkeley water, 
it is delightfully soft, and leaves the skin with that 
delicate feeling of velvet, which evinces its power 
in softening and detaching the epidermis. 

Large specimens of lithic acid gravel are shown, 
said to be discharged under their use. The Capon 
waters claim another and a singular power — the 
expulsion of botis from horses. The horse is ex- 
ercised until he becomes very warm ; he is then 
permitted to drink copiously of the water, which 
" never fails" to bring away those destructive ani- 
malcule. Now, if these waters do possess this 
power, it would be highly interesting to know the 
cause of this anthelmintic property, as it may also 
prove efficacious in expelling those parasites that 
infest the human body. 

To conclude my remarks on the Capon waters, 
I class them with those of Bath— the latter being 
perhaps more alkaline — certainly of higher tempera- 
ture, and vastly more copious. I entertain a high 
opinion of both, and believe them very important 
curative agents. 



WHITE SULPHUR. 337 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



THE WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 
(Continued.) 

It will perhaps be thought that I have already 
said enough on the properties of this water ; and I 
may incur the charge of tautology in the following 
remarks, yet there are some new views so blended 
with those already taken, that I find it difficult to 
separate them without re-writing the whole. 

Referring the reader back to the fifth chapter and 
the analysis therein given by Dr. Ha\ r es, and the 
observations accompanying it, it must appear that 
the great and active principle of the sulphur waters 
is the sulphur constituent, or the sulphureted hy- 
drogen resulting therefrom, modified, however, by 
other constituents of those waters. This opinion is 
corroborated by the observation of all intelligent 
physicians who have noted the action of saline sul- 
phur waters. As a fact, it is a starting point of 
great importance for tracing the effects on the hu- 
man system of the different waters in which it is 
found. These effects will vary according to the dif- 
ferent combinations with other gases and salts, and 
it will be found that an apparently trifling difference 
in those combinations will produce widely different 
effects. 

It will be proper now to consider what is the 
character of sulphureted Irydrogen, and how we 
are to class it as a remedial agent. In its effects 
on respiration, it would produce, in a concentrated 
form, as speedy death as prussic acid, according to 
15 



338 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

Liebig, " owing to its action on the compounds of 
iron when alkalies are present ; and free alkali is 
never absent from the blood. It is powerfully seda- 
tive and narcotic, and these are the properties that 
give it value in the diluted and combined form 
which it takes in sulphur waters. It has been 
shown that it permeates every membrane and tissue 
of the system ; and consequently, we may suppose 
that it modifies the condition of those membranes 
and tissues and that of the blood, and that the brain 
and the whole nervous system acknowledge its in- 
fluence. We have now advanced two steps in ex- 
plaining the probable action of sulphurous-saline 
waters ; first, by ascertaining that their most active 
principle is hydro-sulphuric acid ; and secondly, 
by establishing, on the best chemical authorities, 
that hydro-sulphuric acid is not irritating, but se- 
dative, and powerfully narcotic. We must next 
consider it in combination with other gases and 
salts found in the different waters of this class, and 
how its action is modified by the quantity and ar- 
rangement of those other ingredients. We now 
however apply ourselves to the constitution of the 
White Sulphur water, reserving its comparison with 
the Salt Sulphur and Red Sulphur — the two wa- 
ters of the class next in importance—to a more ad- 
vanced portion of this report. 

In approaching the spring, the odor of sulphu- 
reted hydrogen is perceived at some distance — a 
circumstance which would induce us to suppose 
that the water is highly charged with that gas. 
But, analysis corrects this estimate of our sense of 
smell, and informs us, that the amount of this gas 
is very small compared with the other gases found 
in it, and, indeed, considerably below the quantity 
of the same gas found in other sulphurous waters in 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 339 

the same region. The stronger odor may arise from 
one or more causes : 1st, the superficies exposed to 
the action of the atmosphere, which is much greater 
than at the other springs, since their streams are 
covered over; 2d, to its higher temperature, which 
is about 62° F. ; 3d, to the small amount of 0x3^- 
gen, which causes it to part sooner with the sul- 
phureted hydrogen ; 4th, to the curious fact stated 
by Fowne, " that it is most offensive when in 
small quantity, when a mere trace is present in the 
air ;" or, lastly, from a combination of some if not 
all of these causes. 

Examining, now, the proportions of the other 
gases, we find the oxygen, as already stated, small 
in amount, the nitrogen about one-fiftieth of its 
whole volume, and the carbonic acid rather more 
than one-twentieth- — all forming about one-four- 
teenth of its entire volume. 

With regard to the nitrogen, oxygen and carbonic 
acid gases, we cannot doubt that they exercise a 
due share of influence on the action of mineral 
waters, though nitrogen is deemed rather nega- 
tive as a remedial agent, since it is known to leave 
the system in the same quantity in which it is re- 
ceived. The carbonic acid, besides being neces- 
sary for holding in solution the alkalies of those 
waters, is probably influential also in modifying the 
action of the sulphureted hydrogen ; at least, we 
see that waters possessing more sulphureted hydro- 
gen and less carbonic acid than the White Sulphur, 
are more narcotic. 

Having thus, briefly, and I fear unsatisfactorily 
glanced at the gaseous constituents of the White 
Sulphur, I pass on to its saline properties. 

It has been seen that the sulphates of lime and 
magnesia form nearly ten-elevenths of the saline 



340 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

matter of this water, and these are in proportion of, 
nearly, 67 of the former to 30 of the latter. The 
sulphate of lime may be considered an impurity 
more or less common to all springs in limestone 
regions. Waters containing it and the carbonate 
are harsh and produce purgation, and frequently 
dysentery, in constitutions not accustomed to them. 
The sulphate requires about 500 parts of water to 
render it soluble ; it will therefore be seen that it ap- 
pears in this water in quite a concentrated degree. 
It may be considered as irritant and stimulant. 

The sulphate of magnesia, which is also abun- 
dant in this water, imparts to it most of its cathartic 
and diuretic effects, and may be considered its 
most important medicinal salt. We know that 
strong solutions of salts are not taken into the 
circulation, but act as stimulants to the intestines 
and produce purgation, whereas, greatly diluted, 
they are so taken up, modify the blood, and are 
eliminated in. other ways from the s) 7 stem. The 
amount of carbonate of lime is inconsiderable, and 
such as is usually found in limestone springs, in 
which there is always carbonic acid present. The 
other salts — silica, potash, soda, magnesia, are found 
only in minute quantities. The organic matter, 
dried, and ranged with the salts, has already come 
under review. 

From a view of the constituents of this water, 
we should infer that it is essentially aperient and 
diuretic, and that its alterative effects are mainly 
due to sulphureted hydrogen, and the organic sub- 
stance which in its state of solution is taken up by 
the absorbents. Every tissue of the body is formed 
from the blood, and the blood itself is constantly 
undergoing changes, and modified by the elements 
conveyed to it. Keeping these facts in view, we 



SALT AND SWEET SULPHUR SPRINGS. 341 

can readily imagine that subtle and sedative agents, 
like those we have described, do possess great in- 
fluence in modifying the action of other ingre- 
dients in the same water. Perhaps I shall be 
thought to have dwelt too long on these matters, but 
it must be recollected, that I am treating of a 
water standing at the head of its class, and that 
having once considered and exhibited the principles 
common to the class, I will not be obliged to 
recur to them again. 

SALT AND SWEET SULPHUR SPRINGS. 
(Continued.) 

The account given of the Salt Sulphur proper, 
and its action on the s} r stem, in a former chapter, 
was so full that little remains to be now said about 
it except incidentally. The Spring, however, deno- 
minated " Iodine Spring" has been invested w r ith 
new interest in consequence of a recent analysis by 
a distinguished chemist, Dr. David Stewart, of Bal- 
timore, which is now for the first time published. 

Iodine Spring No. 1, B. 

Report of the Analysis of the Salt Sulphur (Iodine) Springs 
in Monroe County, Virginia. 

Temperature 65J° F. Reaction alkaline, spec. grav. 1002.7. 

Each gallon of the water contains — 

Sulphurated hydrogen, 19.19 cub. inches. 
Carbonic acid, 34.60 " 

Also nitrogen and ox) r gen gases. 
The saline contents of one gallon are — 

Sulphate of magnesia, - 18.20 grains. 

Sulphate of soda, - - 22.36 

Carbonate of lime, - - 31.81 

Carbonate of magnesia, - 06.60 

Chloride of magnesium, - 00.26 

Chloride of sodium, - - 01.51 

Chloride of calcium. - 00.57 



3i2 MINERAL SPRINGS 


OF 


VIRGINIA. 


Solid contents of one gallon — continued. 






Silicic acid, 




- 


01.75 


Carbonate of potash, 




- 


02.35 


Carbonate of soda, 




. 


10.70 


Sulphate of lime, 




- 


74.20 


Iodine, 




- 


00.59 


Bromine, 




- 


00.60 


Iron, with traces of phosphoric 


acid, 




lithia and alumina, 






01.45 




172.95 



The report No. 1, B, gives the direct results of 
analysis : the following are the relative proportions 
of the salts calculated by the law of equivalents ; 
and it will be observed that they confirm the results 
obtained, as the proportion of each salt is nearly the 
same : 

2 equivalents of sulphuric acid, aa 40=80 
2 " " soda, aa 20=40 

120 

2 equivalents sulphuric acid, aa 40=80 

2 " " soda, aa 32=€4 

144 

4 equivalents carbonic acid, aa 22= 88 

4 " lime, aa 88=112 

200 

1 equivalent of magnesia, - 20 

1 carbonic acid, - 22 

42 

By the same mode the proportion of 

Chloride of magnesia, - 01.68 

Chloride of sodium, - - 09.00 



SALT AND SWEET SULPHUR SPRINGS. 343 

The following table gives the proportion thus obtained, and the 
relation of the total to one gallop of water: 

One wine gallon of the water contains — 

Sulphureted hydrogen, - 19.19 cubic in. 

Carbonic acid, - . 34.60 

Oxygen, - - 00.62^ 

Nitrogen, - - 04.73 

Total gaseous contents, - 59.14 

Solid contents of one gallon — 

Sulphate of magnesia, - 20 grains. 

Sulphate of soda, - ~ 24 li 

Carbonate of lime, • - 33 " 

Carbonate of magnesia, * 07 " 

Chloride of magnesium, - 00.28 grain*. 

Chloride of sodium, - - 01.50 " 

Chloride of calcium, - - 00.56 " 

Silicic acid, - - 0J.76 

Carbonate of potash, - 02.33 "■ 

Carbonate of soda, - - 10.80 ,; 

Sulphate of lime, - - 68.00 " 

Iodine, - - - 00.63 " 

Bromine, - - 00.65 w 

Sesquioxide of iron, - - 01.06 " 

Alumina, - - 09.18 " 

Phosphate of soda and lithia, - 00.73 " 

B. Stewart, M. D. 

Taking a comparative view of these adjacent 
Springs, we find there are seven ingredients in the 
Iodine Spring, which have not been detected (ex- 
cept a trace of iodine) in the Salt Sulphur proper, 
and some, if not all, medicinal agents of great va- 
lue. Besides iodine and bromine, there are the car- 
bonates of potash and soda, and alumina, with 
phosphate of soda. It will readily occur to the 
physician, who has to deal with a scrofulous consti- 
tution, in which the vis vitce is impaired by compli- 
cated derangements, that a water, constituted as this 
is, gives his patient the best chance of relief. The 
great sedative power of its extraordinary amount of 
suiphureted hydrogen, the alterative effect of its 



344 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

iodine and bromine on the glandular system, the ef- 
ficacy of its neutral salts in promoting intestinal ex- 
cretions, and its alkaline properties, all combined, 
make it a water of peculiar interest to the votary of 
medical science. 

It is said of this water that it reduces the pulse. 
I have, myself, seen no case in which it has done 
so ; but in cases shmdating phthisis, in disease of 
the mesenteric glands, and in a d} r speptic condition, 
I can readily understand that it may have this effect. 
If, however, the opinion I have sought to establish 
respecting the stimulant property of saline waters 
be correct, this water is certainly not adapted to 
cases in which such an action would be hurtful. 
But, then again, whilst Prof. Rogers makes the sul- 
phureted hydrogen in a wine gallon 3.46 cubic 
inches, Dr. Stewart makes it 19.19 cubic inches. 

Now, if Dr. Stewart be correct, the fact that it 
reduces the pulse would go to corroborate the views 
I have taken of the sedative influence of this gas* 
By the analysis made by Prof. Rogers, we find that 
the Salt Sulphur far surpasses the White Sulphur 
and Red Sulphur— the White being only 0.271 cu- 
bic inches, the Red 0.397, while the Salt is (Rogers) 
3.46 inches. 

It will be recollected that while Prof. Rogers gives 
the analysis of the Salt Sulphur proper, he says it 
" applies to the New as well as the Old Spring.'* 
There are other facts worthy of attention : the first 
is, that the other gases, as found by both chemists, 
are identical ; and the second is, that in Dr. Stew- 
art's first report to Messrs. Erskine & Caruthers, 
this gas also is reported precisely what Prof. Rogers 
made it. Having noticed this remarkable discre- 
pancy between the first and final reports of Dr. 
Stewart, and the identity of his first report with the 



SALT AND SWEET SULPHUR SPRINGS. 345 

anatysis of Prof. Rogers, as calculated by me for the 
quantity of a wine gallon, I supposed Dr. Stewart 
bad made a mistake, and addressed him a letter on 
the subject. I received a prompt reply, from which 
I make the following extract : 

Baltimore, 31st Dec. 1851. 
Dear Sir, 

I thank you for the opportunity you have given me 
of addressing you with regard to the analysis of the Salt Sulphur 
Springs of Virginia. At the time I received the order for the 
analysis of the water, I also received four bottles: two precipitated 
with acetate of lead, and two without. Fearing that the precipita- 
tion in the former might be increased by the precipitation of" the 
sulphuric acid of the sulphates, I estimated the sulphuric acid in 
each separately, and finding the amounts to correspond, was driven 
to the conclusion that Professor Rogers was wrong in his estimate, 
particularly as I had previously washed the sulphuret of lead with 
strong acetic acid, (and thus reduced its weight nearly one-half.) be- 
fore making the estimate in the usual manner. Moreover, I dis- 
covered that my estimate was much less than the average of the 
Sulphur Springs of Europe, while his was less than the least pro- 
portion for which we have any good authority. 

See "Dr. M. Gairdner's table of the quantity of 
sulphureted hydrogen in mineral waters," Pereira's 
Mat. Med. (Lea &Blanchard, 1846,) p. 257, vol.1. 

With respect to the discrepancy in Dr. Stewart's 
first and second reports, he accounts for it as fol- 
lows : " N. B. The discrepanc}^ between the former 
report and this one resulted from the precipitation 
of the sulphur from the sulphureted hydrogen. " 

With regard to the difference of estimate between 
himself and Rogers, (which, as I have already 
stated, varies, from Rogers 3.46, to Stewart 19.19 
cubic inches,) he thus accounts for it : 

" I feel confident that this spring is like the cele- 
brated Cheltenham Spring in this respect, (as it is in 
many others,) viz : the proportions of gaseous con- 
tents vary, as I find the temperature of this Spring 
varies in a much greater degree ; and I believe the 

15* 



346 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

gaseous contents vary from the same cause." See 
same authority, (Pereira,) also Materia Medica by 
Edwards and Vaivaseur, translated by Togns & 
Durand, page 110. 

Professor Rogers' analyses vary from 1.10 to 1.50 
in 100 cubic inches ; or, when calculated at 231 
cubic inches, from 2.54 to 3.46. Now it is inte- 
resting that this gentleman also accounts for the 
variation in the same way that Dr. Stewart does. 
In his letter to Messrs. Erskine & Caruthers, ac- 
companying his analysis, he sa}^s : "As from re- 
peated examinations I have found some variations 
in the quantity of the ingredients, depending upon 
the seasons and weather, 1 have given you the 
average numbers deduced from many analyses. 
The greatest fluctuations having been observed in 
the amount of sulphureted hydrogen, I have stated 
the limits within which I have found it to range." 

Having thus placed the analyses of those two dis- 
tinguished chemists before you, and allowed them 
the benefit of their own explanations, I would re- 
mark, that the discrepancy between them as to the 
amount of this gas, is rather interesting as a ques- 
tion of chemical science, than as affecting the me- 
dicinal agency of the water, since according to the 
minimum estimate, it is, still, many times greater 
than the amount found in any of the other celebrated 
Springs in the same region. 

I will now mention some of the cases in which 
the Iodine Salt Sulphur has been known to exert a 
peculiarly beneficial influence over and above those 
to which the Salt Sulphur proper is adapted. These 
are affections of the glandular system, bronchocele, 
secondary syphilis, mercurial rheumatism, the chro- 
nic exanthemata, scrofulous ulcers, dyspepsia, at- 
tended with acidity, diarrhoea, constitutional de- 



SWEET SULPHUR SPRINGS. 34? 

bility— to which may be added predisposition to 
tubercular consumption; but when tubercles are in 
progress of deposition and development, it is an 
agent of doubtful expediency. Chlorosis and ame- 
norrhoea are successfully treated by the use of this 
water. In hepatic disease, as also in enlargement 
of the spleen, and indeed, in almost all the diseases 
I have enumerated, under the head of the Salt 
Sulphur, it will be found efficacious. 

It is also contra-indicated in nearly the same ca- 
talogue of diseases as that water. 

SWEET SULPHUR SPRING. 

North of the Iodine and Salt Sulphur Springs, 
and a few hundred j'ards from the hotel, is the 
Spring bearing the above name. It was the earliest 
improved and visited of the group, and had con- 
siderable repute. Bad management, however, 
brought it to neglect, and the superior accommo- 
dations, and perhaps the superior merit of the Salt 
Sulphur overshadowed it. It fell into disuse, and 
is now attached to the Salt Sulphur estate. This 
water is of lower temperature, and much more 
palatable, than either of its neighbors. I can fur- 
nish no analysis of it, but we know that, in suiphu- 
reted trydrogen, it is similar to the White Sulphur, 
and in saline ingredients, especially in the sulphates 
of magnesia a.nd soda, it is far less impregnated 
than the Salt. It is therefore much milder in its 
action than the last mentioned water. There are 
many cases in which it would be more appropriate, 
and as a variety it gives no inconsiderable advan- 
tage to this watering place. When, for instance, 
the Salt Sulphur acts too freely on the bowels, this 
may be substituted. It supplies the bathing estab- 



. 34:8 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA* 

lishment, and is frequently drank in preference to 
the others. I have myself always entertained a 
favorable opinion of the Sweet Sulphur, and have met 
with no water in the mountains that I consider ap- 
proaches nearer the properties of the Red Sulphur. 

RED SULPHUR AND BLUE SULPHUR. 

To the account given of the former of these 
Springs in a preceding chapter, I have nothing to 
add ; I therefore proceed to the consideration of 
the latter for the article on which and its analysis 
now for the first time published, I am mainly in- 
debted to Dr. John A. Hunter, the resident physi- 
cian, a gentleman of high standing in the profession, 
and of great experience in the use of this mineral 
water. 

Blue Sulphur Springs. 

Temperature variable from 45 to 46°. 
Solid matter procured by evaporation from 100 cubic inches 
weighed, after being dried, at 212°, 44.42 grains. 

Quantity of each solid ingredient in 100 cubic inches esti- 
mated as perfectly free from water. 

In 100 cub. in. In 231 cnb. in. 
Sulph. of lime, 
Sulph. of magnesia, - 
Sulph. of soda, 
Carb. of lime, 
Carb. of magnesia, 
Chi. of sodium, 
Chi. of calcium, 
Protoxide of iron rec'd from prot. 

sulph. - 
An azotised organic matter blended 

with aulph. 



Earthy phosphates, a trace. 



20.152 


grs. 


46.551 grains. 


2.760 


tt 


6.375 


a 


7.021 


a 


16.218 


<< 


2.135 


n 


5.047 


a 


0.407 


a 


0.940 


it 


1.868 


" 


4215 


tt 


0.005 


a 


o.on 


a 


0.015 


" 


0.034 


it 


3.000 


tt 
ti 

a tr 


6.930 


tt 


37.413 


86.321 


tt 


Iodine, 


aqe. 





HED AND BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 349 

Volume of each of ike Gases in a free state* 

Sulph. hydrogen, - 0.45 to 46 1-03 

Nitrogen, - 3.25 7.49 

Oxygen, - 0.56 1.29 

Carb. acid, - 2.75 6.35 

Total cubic inches, 7.01 Total, 16.16 ' 

In this analysis, the first thing that arrests our 
attention is the low temperature of the water — 45° 
to 46° — by far the lowest of all the mineral springs 
that have come under review. This confirms the 
observation made by me on a former occasion, that. 
a large draught of this water was apt to oppress 
the stomach. It may also serve to account for a 
fact stated by Dr. Hunter, which is directly in op- 
position to my own observations of the action of 
mineral waters in acute diseases — observations sus- 
tained, heretofore, by all the distinguished autho- 
rities on the agency of mineral waters. But one 
correctly ascertained fact is worth a thousand spe- 
culations ; and this fact, resting on an authority so 
reliable as that of Dr. H., is highly important in 
estimating the value of this water. I give the 
result of his observations in his own words : 

"The Blue Sulphur Spring, like the Salt and White Sulphur 
Springs, has generally been regarded as exerting a stimulating in- 
fluence, consequently, like the two former, to have been contra- 
indicated in all acute and inflammatory affections. My close prox- 
imity to the waters of this fountain, and one other which I shall 
notice, does not allow me the expression of contra-indication, To 
the contrary, a large and full practice has given me the privilege of 
noting its use in inflammatory fevers ; and with me it has been a 
grateful beverage, not increasing the inflammatory action or pro- 
tracting a crisis. If the grade of inflammation be high, and there 
should exist a predisposition to congestion, its use should be pre- 
ceded by blood letting." 

I have carefully considered the analysis, and 
looked for some probable cause of the agency as- 
cribed to the water in fevers by Dr. H., and I can 
perceive nothing to render its action so different from 



350 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

what has been observed in other waters of the 
same class. It is evidently an intermediate water 
between the Salt and White and the Red Sulphur, 
containing a little more sulphurated hydrogen than 
the latter, and exceeding it greatly in amount of 
saline matter, but yet in this last feature falling far 
short of the two former. 

It is certainly, then, not as stimulant as the White 
and Salt, nor, if our theory be correct, as sedative 
as the Red Sulphur. Now, the temperature of the 
Red is 54°— 8 or 9 degrees higher than the Blue — - 
yet in fever I found it a decided stimulant, aggra- 
vating all the sj^mptoms, and especially disturbing 
the head* I have thought, and still think the Red 
Sulphur the most dangerous of all those waters in a 
high and unsubdued type of fever, and have as- 
cribed this (I think correctly) to the manifest nar- 
cotic influence of its sulphureted hydrogen, un- 
checked by any appreciable quantity of the neutral 
salts. While, therefore, the Red Sulphur is one ex- 
treme and the Iodine Salt Sulphur another, it is not 
improbable that a water constituted like the Blue 
Sulphur exerts a more refrigerant and sedative in*- 
fiuence than either. As I have already remarked, 
in a state of convalescence I have found the Red 
Sulphur a most valuable auxiliary in the restoration 
of health ; but all my experience of this and all the 
mineral waters tends to the conclusion that they are 
not suited to acute forms of disease. 

Some 3^ears ago a theory was promulgated by 
the physician resident at the White Sulphur, that the 
sulphureted hydrogen gas was a "•nervine stimulant" 
and that consequently it was proper to permit this 
gas to escape, and drink the water " stale" The 
author combatted this opinion, and insisted that the 
gas was strictly sedative, and that the stimulating 



RED AND BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



351 



properties resided in the saline ingredients. Dr. 
Hunter, stimulated by this controversy, instituted a 
series of experiments, which he gives in a tabular 
form : 

" I shall now proceed to show the effect of Blue Sulphur water 
on eight persons placed upon its use— selected from a large com- 
pany, only one of which could be considered an invalid — with such 
directions as I knew would be strictly observed. I commenced by 
giving each a compound pill the evening previous to the com- 
mencement of the use of the water, noted the pulse of each, and 
ordered two glasses of water taken at the fountain before break- 
fast, three before dinner and three before supper; examined them, 
noted the effect, and ordered one glass after tea, with directions 
that the same course should be continued for eight days, which re- 
sulted as follows: 





Age. 


PULSE. 




Natural. 


1st 


2d 


3d 


4th 


5th 


6th 


7th 


8th 








day. 


day. 


day. 


day. 


day. 


day. 


day. 


day. 


lit, 


22 


73 


73 


74 


73 


74 


75 


76 


76 


74 


2d, 


21 


74 


76 


73 


73 


75 


76 


74 


74 


75 


3d, 


22 


72 


72 


73 


74 


74 


74 


75 


76 


73 


4th, 


31 


70 


77 


76 


74 


74 


74 


74 


74 


75 


bth. 


36 


72 


75 


73 


76 


77 


75 


74 


74 


73 


6th, 


30 


71 


71 


71 


75 


72 


73 


73 


73 


73 


7th, 


26 


75 


74 


78 


78 


78 


76 


79 


77 


75 


bth, 


27 


73 


72 


74 


75 


76 


74 


75 


74 


76 



" With this result I was well satisfied, being fully confident that 
my directions were strictly observed, and that no omission or inac- 
curacy had been made to contra-induce correct data. 

•' I then placed the same number of persons on the use of the un- 
gaseous water in their rooms for eight more days, preparing them 
for its use as I did with the first class, which resulted as follows: 





Age. 


PULSE. 




Natural. 


1st 


2d 


3d 


4th 


5th 


6th 


7th 


8th 








day. 


day 


day. 


day. 


day. 


day. 


day. 


day. 


3d, 


22 


72 


74 


73 


74 


74 


73 


75 


74 


74 


4th, 


30 


73 


74 


73 


74 


75 


73 


74 


73 


74 


5th, 


23 


71 


73 


73 


74 


76 


74 


73 


74 


74 


6th, 


21 


74 


74 


73 


74 


74 


75 


74 


76 


75 


7th, 


33 


70 


74 


73 


73 


73 


74 


73 


74 


73 


8th, 


38 


73 


76 


75 


75 


73 


76 


75 


77 


74 


9th, 


39 


74 


76 


74 


74 


75 


76 


73 


73 


74 


10th, 


26 


73 


73 


73 


76 


75 


74 


75 


76 


75 



352 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

From these facts you may see the relative claims 
of the disputants, in regard to the stimulating power 
of the gases. 

I am satisfied that the slight difference manifest 
is the result of the alterative action going on — such 
a phenomenon taking place in the animal economy 
being impossible without changing slightly the gene- 
ral equilibrium ; and further, that the first class using 
the water, with its gases fresh from the spring, 
gave more decided evidence of its alterative effect 
than those who used it stale ; and it may be right 
to add, that the better the alterative effect, the less 
evident the general or local excitement* — nay, that 
this effect not urifrequently takes place without the 
least disturbance. 

So the conviction forces itself upon me, that 
whatever stimulating effect these waters may have, 
it should not be ascribed to its gaseous contents, 
and that all indications resulting and evidenced by 
the vascular system, or nervous system, is the result 
of their alterative action. 

It would have been more satisfactory had Dr. H. 
extended his experiments to cases of disease. We 
know that the condition of health resists agencies 
which in cases of morbid action would produce 
very decided effects. Thus, half a grain of calo- 
mel might cause no perceptible change on a healthy 
secretion, yet a very marked one on a depraved 
secretion. The Red Sulphur water, so remarkable 
for reducing an abnormally excited pulse, seldom 
has any effect on the natural pulse, Yet the expe- 
riment is valuable, so far as it goes, and fully sus- 
tains the conclusions drawn from it, that a sulphur 
water is not more stimulant in its gaseous than un- 
gaseous state. 

I now, in conclusion, give the diseases to which 



RED AND BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 353 

the Blue Sulphur water is applicable, according to 
Dr. Hunter's report, and am happy in bearing tes- 
timony to the reliability of opinions flowing from a 
source so highly respectable. 

Chronic Diseases. 

" In this class of diseases there are no agents so potent as mine- 
ral waters, and none from which relief may be more confidently 
expected. I shall now briefly refer to the applicability of the Blue 
Sulphur water to chronic diseases. 

" 1st. Nervous Diseases, under which head may he classed hypo- 
chondria, hysteria, catalepsy, chorea; their dependence on disor- 
dered digestion points this water out as a valuable agent. 

" Chronic Hepatitis. — In whatever form this disease presents itself, 
either in tissue or secretien, this water forms a most invaluable 
remedy; its power as an emulgent and as an alterative upon the 
liver, in some instances, is astonishing — the icterode appearance of 
the skin rapidly fading, the secretions changing, and the digestion 
strengthening. In connection with chronic hepatitis, I may class 
jaundice & splenitis. 

" Amenorrhea, Irregular Menstruation, Dysmenorrhea. — In these 
three types of uterine disease, I have had, in connection with the 
use of this water, the best results; nay, the repetition of cures 
coming directly under my observation, warrants me in recommend- 
ing the use of the water with confidence. 

" Chronic Disease of the Urinary Organs. — In calculous affections 
I doubt the utility, as almost ail acid calculous affections require a 
greater amount of alkalinity than our spring possesses ; conse- 
quently, the remedial effect is equivocal; yet in all the chronic irri- 
tations of the mucous membrane of the kidneys, bladder, prostate 
gland and urethra, their value is unquestionable. 

" Chronic Diseases of the Skin, particularly that class of scaly dis- 
ease, (order squama,) when the opaque and thickened laminae of 
the cuticle are a product of inflammation in the true skin over 
which they are found, and not unfrequently in the slighter forms of 
psoriasis, the cuticle alone, or the rete mucosum, appears to be in a 
morbid condition. 

" In the variety of disease, including lepra, psoriasis, pityriasis and 
icthyosis, I have known, under my supervision, the greatest advan- 
tage, and witnessed results from the use of the water, conjoined 
with the baths, rare and unexpected. I may here add that this 
spring has attached to it the best bathing establishment (artificial) in 
the mountains, consisting of shower, warm and tepid baths, medi- 
cated and vapor." 



354 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



SWEET SPRINGS. 

The distinguishing characteristic of this water is 
carbonic acid gas. How is this acid generated in 
such quantities? Liehig accounts for it by the 
proximity of wood coal formations. He says : 

"The peculiar process by which the decomposition of these 
extinct vegetables has been effected, namely, a disengagement of 
carbonic acid from their substance, appears still to go on at great 
depths in all the layers of wood coal. At all events, it is remark 
able that springs impregnated with carbonic acid occur in many 
places in the country between Meissner and the electorate of Hesse, 
and the Eifel, which are known to possess large layers of wood 
coal. These springs of mineral water are produced on the spot at 
which they are found — the springs of common water meeting with 
carbonic acid during their ascent, and becoming impregnated with it. 

" Springs of water impregnated with earbonic acid occur at 
Schwalheim, at a very short distance from the layers of wood coal 
at Dorheim. M. Wilhelmi observed, some time since, that they are 
formed of common spring water which ascends from below, and of 
carbonic acid which issues from the side of the spring. This same 
fact has been shown to be the case in the famed Fachinger Spring, 
by M. Schapper. 

" The carbonic acid gas from the springs in the Eifel is, according 
to Bisehofl* seldom mixed with nitrogen or oxygen, and is pro- 
bably produced in a manner similar to that just described. At any 
rate, the air does not appear to take any part in the formation of 
these acidulous springs. The carbonic acid has evidently not been 
formed either by a combustion at high or low temperatures; for if 
it were so, the gas resulting from the combustion would necessarily 
be mixed with four-fifths of nitrogen, but it does not contain a trace 
of this element. The bubbles of gas w r hich escape from these 
springs are absorbed by caustic potash, with the exception of a re- 
siduum too small to be appreciated." 

Now the verification of this single theory of the 
existence of wood coal in the neighborhood of the 
Sweet Springs, as the source of its carbonic acid 
gas, would be worth the salary of a geologist. It 
would be a source of wealth and comfort to an ex- 



RED SWEET SPRINGS. 355 

tensive and important territory. But why talk of 
treasures lying buried in the depths of the earth, 
when, for generations, there have lain exposed to the 
public gaze millions of loads of one of the most fer- 
tilizing deposits of lime from this celebrated spring? 
In its track, down to the Red Sweet may be seen 
immense masses of tufa, a substance quite" as easily 
crushed as gypsum, and equally fertilizing. Thus 
it is that the advantages of our state are overlooked, 
and its sources of prosperity and comfort neglected. 
The medicinal properties of the Sweet Springs 
will be considered in connection with those of the 

RED SWEET SPRINGS. 

In the same lovely valley, and at the distance of 
one mile, there issues from beneath a bank of rock 
covered with tufa, three large springs known as the 
Red Sweet Springs, and so called from the ferru- 
ginous deposit made by two of them, the upper 
one approximating more closely the Sweet Spring 
waters. These waters are conveyed to two baths 
arranged like those of the Sweet, but not no spa- 
cious nor so limpid. At the distance of some 400 
yards there are other springs similar to those of the 
Sweet, which are very copious, and which the pro- 
prietors have converted into baths. 

I now ask attention to the analysis of these wa- 
ters and the brief remarks I deem it necessary to 
make on them as remedial agents. 

Comparative Analyses of the Red Sweet and Sweet Springs. 



Red Sweet. 

1 st. Solid matter procured 
by evaporation from 
100 cubic inches, 40.76 



Sweet. 

1st. Solid matter procured 
by evaporation from 
100 cubic inches, 3*2.67 



A portion of this is combined with water. 



356 



MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 



Red Sweet. 

2d. Quantity of each solid ingre- 
dient, estimated as perfectly 
free from water, in 100 cu- 
bic inches. 
Sulphate of lime, 14.233 

Sulphate of magnesia, 3.107 

Sulphate of soda, 1.400 

Carbonate of lime, 9.411 

Carbonate of magnesia, 1.186 
Chloride of sodium, 0.037 

Chloride of magnesium, 0.680 
Chloride of calcium, 0.010 

Sesquioxide of iron, 0.320 

Organic matter, in small quan- 
tities. 
Iodine, a mere trace. 
The iron is no donbt dissolved in 
the water as a carbonate. 

3d. Volume of each of the gases 

contained in a free state 

in 100 cubic inches of the 

water. 

Carbonic acid, 46.10 

Nitrogen, 2.57 

Oxygen, .20 

Sulphureted hydrogen, a trace 

too small to be measured. 

4th. Composition of 100 cubic 

inches of the mixed gases 

rising in bubbles in the 

spring. 

Nitrogen, 62.5 

Carbonic acid, 37.5 



Sweet. 

2d. Quantity of each sold ingre- 
dient, estimated as perfectly 
free from water, in 100 cu- 
bic inches. 
Sulphate of lime, 5.703 

Sulphate of magnesia, 4.067 
Sulphate of soda, 2.746 

Carbonate of lime, 13.013 

Carbonate of magnesia, 0.357 
Chloride of sodium, 0.060 

Chloride of magnesium, 0.136 
Chloride of calcium, 0.065 

Peroxide of iron, (sesqui- 
oxide,) 0.061 
Silica, 0.075 
Earthy phosphate, a trace. 



3d. Volume of each of the gases 
contained in a free state 
in 100 cubic inches of the 
water. 

Carbonic acid, 37.17 

Nitrogen, 1.87 

Oxygen, a trace. 

Sulphureted hydrogen, a trace 
too small to be measured. 

4th. Composition of 100 cubic 

inches of the mixed gases 

rising in bubbles in the 

spring. 

Nitrogen, 71.7 

Carbonic acid, 28.3 



The analyses given above were made by Professor 
Wm. B. Rogers, and are, I presume, correct. As- 
suming this to be the case, they furnish data on 
which may be founded a theory regarding those ef- 
fects which I know by experience they produce 
on the human system. 

It will be seen that the salts and gases in both 
waters are identical in kind, but vary in propor- 
tions. . Both are more abundant in the Red Sweet, 
and this corresponds with our knowledge of its 



RED SWEET SPRINGS. 357 

power as a stimulant, and we perceive that it con- 
tains four-fifths more iron, which accounts for its 
higher tonic effect. To hold this iron in solution it 
was probably necessary it should contain more car- 
bonic acid, and we accordingly find it in the pro- 
portion of 46.10 to 37.17. This excess of carbonic 
acid makes it also more exhilarating, and causes 
the several salts and the iron to be better tolerated 
by the stomach. In the Sweet Springs, the carbo- 
nate of lime is more abundant, while the sulphate 
of lime exceeds in the Red Sweet. The sulphates 
of magnesia and soda are more abundant in the 
Sweet, making it, as we find it to be, more of an 
aperient than its neighbor. As a diuretic, the Sweet 
is known to possess more power, and this probably 
arises from the smaller amount of the peroxide of 
iron. While, therefore, both these waters are rea- 
dily recognized as belonging to the same class, the 
medical man will understand that the difference of 
combination gives to each its own peculiar advan- 
tages, and that according to his diagnosis, there is a 
choice between them. If he desires a gentle ape- 
rient or diuretic effect, he will prescribe the Sweet ; 
if he requires more of an astringent and tonic, he 
will direct the Red Sweet. Now, both of these wa- 
ters are decidedly tonic, but the Red Sweet greatly 
surpasses in this respect. Yet, there are many cases 
in which the milder tonic, aided by the more ape- 
rient and diuretic qualities, is preferable. It requires 
a nice discrimination, frequently, to advise between 
them ; but the profession will be enabled to recog- 
nize the distinction. If in chlorosis, anemia, un- 
complicated debility, impotence from youthful ex- 
cesses, and other conditions, you wish to introduce 
iron into the system, for a considerable length of 
time, without risk of its disagreeing with the sto- 



358 MINERAL SPMNGS OF VIRGINIA. 

mach, then, with confidence, prescribe the Red 
Sweet. It is certainly a most powerful agent in 
such cases. In the milder cases, and for the rea- 
sons already stated, we should give preference to 
the Sweet Springs. In thus speaking of the pre- 
scription of these waters, I desire to be understood 
as combining the bath with the internal use of the 
waters. I am not prepared to say whether as a 
bath one water has any superiority over the other: 
It would depend on whether the amount of absorp- 
tion through the cutaneous system is appreciable in 
a cold bath during the short stay which is necessa- 
rily made in it. I am inclined to think it is not; 
yet, whence proceeds the extraordinary exhilaration 
that succeeds these baths, when adapted to the case ? 
A bath of plain water of the same temperature will 
not produce the same effect. .We must infer, by 
analogy from its internal effects, that the carbonic 
acid has much to do with it, whether by absorption 
or mere contact with the cutaneous nerves, we know 
not. It may be possible, too, that the iron contri- 
butes to the same effect. However produced, I am 
inclined to believe, from some experience of both 
baths, that the Red Sweet possesses more power as 
an exhilarant and tonic. There is a difference of 3 
or 4 degrees in their temperature. The Sweet be- 
ing 74 J, the Red Sweet 7S°; This is in many cases 
an important difference, and will not be overlooked 
by the intelligent physician. 

It will be interesting to those who visit the Vir- 
ginia Springs, to learn that the Sweet Springs have 
passed by purchase into the hands of Oliver Beirne, 
Allen T. Caperton, John Echols and Christopher J. 
Beirne, Esquires, and that arrangements are in pro- 
gress to improve this valuable watering place in a 
style commensurate with its merits. Next season, 



HOT SPRINGS, 359 

everything about the establishment will be new and 
of the best quality. The great hotel will be finished 
and completely fitted up. From 4 to 8 two-story 
houses of 8 rooms each will be added to the means 
of accommodation, and by the summer of 1854 the 
improvements will be of an extent and character 
not surpassed in this region. 

The Red Sweet Springs also, are, I learn, become 
the sole property of Mr. Bias, who is already favor- 
ably known to the public. 

HOT SPRINGS. 

The class of remedial agents I am now about to 
consider is so important, and yet so liable to be 
abused, that I will perhaps be pardoned for going 
somewhat into detail. Short of Arkansas, there is 
I believe no other spring in the United States, as 
yet known, that exceeds or equals in temperature 
those at the head of this article. They therefore 
deserve especial attention. 

For a general description of the Springs and 
some of their therapeutic properties, as also for the 
analysis by Prof. Rogers, I refer the reader back to 
the 17th chapter of this work. 

For convenience of reference, I give below the 
ingredients calculated for a wine gallon, or 231 cu- 
bic inches : 

Nitrogen, - - 2.67 cubic inches. 

Oxygen, - - 0.52 " 

Saline ingredients in a wine gallon : 

Carbonate of lime. - - 17.40 

Sulphate of lime, - - 5.48 

Sulphate of soda, - - 3.64 

Sulphate of magnesia, - - 2.05 

Muriate of soda, - - 1.33 

Silica, - - - 0J8 

30,08 grs. 



360 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

An inspection of the tables given above will sa- 
tisfy the reader that the gaseous and mineral im- 
pregnation of the Hot Springs is very moderate. 
It may therefore be inferred that its medicinal 
agency, when externally applied, is mainly, if not 
altogether, ascribable to its temperature. It has 
been seen that, with the exception of carbonate of 
lime, the saline contents are trifling ; it is therefore 
to be reckoned a pure water, and, independent of 
temperature, would rank as a sedative, and as such, 
when suffered to cool, might be used with advan- 
tage internally, where sedative waters are indicated. 
But when we regard its temperature, we are obliged 
to place it in the class of stimulants. It would an- 
swer no good purpose to enter upon an argument 
to prove that, in ordinary cases, a bath even at 100° 
Fahr, acts as a stimulant to the cutaneous surface, 
and that this stimulation is propagated through the 
whole organism. The experiment is one easily 
made. Let an individual in good health and with 
a pulse at 76, enter a bath considerably above the 
temperature of the body. After he has been im- 
mersed some ten or fifteen minutes he will find his 
pulse accelerated, veins turgid, capillaries engorged, 
face flushed and the brain excited. Immersion in 
the pool of 106° at the Hot Springs will ordinarily 
raise the pulse from 76 to 106 in 15 minutes; in 
some cases it will reach 120. The Wisbaden bath 
at 110° has raised the pulse to 130 beats. All this 
goes to demonstrate that the hot bath is an agent of 
great power, and not to be tampered with without 
judicious advice. 

But many who visit this as well as other water- 
ing places, think themselves quite competent to 
manage their own cases, or are deterred by various 
circumstances from consulting a physician. The 



HOT SPRINGS. 361 

agency of a hot bath is one, too, which the edu- 
cated physician at home can much better decide 
upon than that of the drinking waters; and if he 
has studied the constitution and pathological condi- 
tion of his patient and the usual effects of this 
agent, he can prescribe with a good prospect of 
success. It is to aid him in this particular that I 
throw out some general suggestions. In the first 
place, preparation is necessary. Is the patient la- 
boring under arterial excitement? This should be 
brought down by suitable depletion. Is the liver 
torpid? are the bowels constipated? is the tongue 
furred? are there any evidences of cerebral or ner- 
vous excitement? In all such contingencies, the 
bath should be abstained from until the normal 
condition is restored. As a general rule, the ali- 
mentary canal should be evacuated, and the liver 
stimulated to energy by a little calomel or blue 
pill. Injections, too, of the water, w r ill aid greatly 
in the preparation, and if used habitually, before 
every bath, would be productive of much good. 
Supposing all these precautions taken, the next 
consideration is the selection of temperature. What 
Dr. Goode denominates the temperate bath is 100°. 
This is the lowest, but strictl}' speaking, this is only 
comparatively temperate. It is in reality a hot 
bath. To this are usually consigned, and with 
great propriety, the new coiners. The experiment 
with this is much safer than w T ith the higher tempe- 
rature, though there are cases in which even this is 
too stimulant; and I think it is much to be regretted 
that the temperature of 98°, which existed here 
some years ago, has not been preserved, instead of 
blending it with another of higher temperature, and 
thus making their joint temperature 100° : 2° in 
the ascending scale make an important difference 
16 



362 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

in bathing. Indeed, the proprietor would do well 
to arrange here, as might easily be done, baths 
ranging from 90° to 106°, his highest temperature. 
After a few days' bathing in the " temperate bath," 
the patient is next directed to the "hot spout bath," 
temperature 106°, or to the boiler, 106°. In the 
latter he is immersed from 10 to 15 minutes, 
comes out, is wrapped up and covered closely with 
blankets, and undergoes the sweating process from 
40 to 60 minutes. He is then unpacked, rubbed 
dry, and resumes his clothing. While in the bath 
he usually takes one or two tumblers of the hot 
water. In the hot spout, his main object is to 
direct the stream to the affected organ, such as the 
liver or spleen, and thus secure a local mechanical 
action aided by a high temperature. In engorged 
conditions of the liver, in indurations of this and 
the spleen, and in local rheumatic affections, it is 
sometimes surprising how promptly this douche 
gives relief. In all of the baths, the usual period of 
immersion does not exceed 15 minutes. In my 
opinion, half the time at first would be more pro- 
fitable. At a more advanced period of bathing, 
the patient may remain in longer. It would be 
well enough to watch the effect on the pulse and 
the appearance of the face, and to be governed ac- 
cordingly. After the continuance of these baths 
for several days, sooner with some, later with 
others, there is what in many cases proves a crisis, 
but which should be watched with care. It may 
be necessary to bleed or give a mercurial pill to re- 
lieve the system at this period, and abstinence from 
bathing, until the object is effected, is important. 
With simple directions like these, the family physi- 
cian might instruct his patient whom he is sending 
to the Hot Springs y and if faithf blty followed, and 



HOT SPRINGS. 363 

this agent be the proper remedy, he may look for 
success. But let him see to this — that his diagnosis 
justifies the use of this powerful agent, else he may 
inflict upon the invalid irremediable evil. There 
are cases at these waters sometimes, we know r not 
whether by medical advice or not, that had better 
be any where else ; they are disappointed, and go 
away cursing the water, instead of blaming their 
own empiricism. I shall give some of the cases in 
which the Hot Springs are beneficial, as well as 
those in which they are contra-indicated, and shall 
be happy if the distinctions drawn shall lead to a 
more correct appreciation of an agent no less potent 
for mischief when misunderstood and abused, than 
for good, when properly prescribed and applied. 
First, then, of that disease so common in our va- 
riable climate, which clings to the unhappy being 
it has once seized like the shirt of Nessus, and 
often, in the prime of years, brings on the helpless- 
ness and decrepitude of old age. 

Rheumatism. — Of which the writer may well say: 

" Quorum pars magna fui." 

It need scarcely be said that in acute rheu- 
matism this water is contra-indicated. It is only 
when the disease has become chronic, and the sys- 
tem is rather tending to atony, that these baths can 
be used with advantage. In the sequela of acute 
rheumatism, when by a bold depleting practice we 
have reduced the system below par, for the security 
of the centre of the circulation, or some other ob- 
ject, the Hot Springs judiciously administered are 
highly valuable ; but if the heart has become in- 
volved in the attack, let the physician be cautious 
how he advises this remedy. In chronic muscular 
rheumatism* caused or attended by deficient inner- 



364 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

vation ; in rheumatism of the joints, when there is 
a tendency to, or even partial anchylosis; in sciatica; 
in lumbago ; in local paralysis — this is, unquestion- 
ably, an agent of great value under proper regula- 
tions ; but it is far from being an agent of such 
general application as is supposed, and as I have 
had occasion to show, there are cases of rheu- 
matism in which the warm, the tepid, and even the 
cold bath are more appropriate and successful. 
Neuralgia is sometimes relieved, and frequently ag- 
gravated by the hot bath. It is difficult to tell what 
will be its effect without actual experiment. 

With respect to bathing in neuralgia, there are 
cases in which, like rheumatism, the hot bath will 
yield relief; but there are others in which it is cal- 
culated to aggravate the evil, and in these cases the 
warm; tepid or cold bath will be generally found 
useful. The Healing Spring, 84°, or the Berkeley 
Springs, 74°, are the waters I w r ould recommend 
in those cases of neuralgia attended by arterial 
excitement. The waters of the Sweet and Red 
Sweet Springs are too stimulating. 

Gout. — This is another disease — cousin-german 
to the two preceding— in which the hot bath is often 
used with advantage. In atonic gout, and in the 
irregular or retrocedent form, it is useful in bringing 
the diffused virus, if such it ma} r be called, to a 
"local habitation and a name," just on the same 
principle that a hot pediluvmm would be used. In 
this the Hot Springs usually succeed, and the heavy 
fall of the douche will contribute largely to the 
effect desired. I need not repeat that in this dis- 
ease also much attention is necessary to the gene- 
ral habit of the individual, and that sanguineous, 
plethoric persons may, by imprudent use of the hot 
bath, be driven into a state of apoplexy or paralysis. 



HOT SPRINGS. 365 

Paralysis. — Idiopathic paralysis is evidently not 
to be treated by hot baths, and consequently, the 
use of the Hot Springs is contra-indicated. But in 
that condition of the limbs consequent upon rheu- 
matism, as in all modifications of it, the Hot Springs 
are an agent of justly high repute. The remark 
made with respect to idiopathic paralysis will, a 
fortiori, apply to apoplexy and idiopathic epilepsy, 
in all of which the Hot Springs would be hurtful. 

Affections of the Liver. — Engorgement and indu- 
ration of the liver are conditions in which the hot 
douche has been eminently successful. The most 
unpromising cases too, are those in which it seems 
to have the most prompt effect. In these cases, 
usually treated with mercury before they reach the 
Hot Springs, the mechanical action of the douche 
combined with the high temperature, seems to be 
necessary for emulging and softening the organ. 
Then the use of mercury comes in with great ad- 
vantage as an auxiliary, and the Sulphur waters 
complete the cure. This should be the routine in 
bad cases; but in lighter hepatic derangements, and 
in the jaundiced condition, the blue pill and Sul- 
phur waters first, and then the hot bath will be the 
proper course. The same remarks apply to an in- 
durated spleen. 

Uterine Diseases. — Uncomplicated amenorrhoea, 
chronic suppressed menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, 
are judiciously treated, by alternating the Hot 
Springs and Red Sulphur. Fluor albus, chlorosis, 
menorrhagia, vicarious menstruation, scirrhus of 
the uterus, are all contra-indicated. 

Sprains, dislocations, old injuries, deafness from 
hardened or defective secretion, scrofulous enlarge- 
ments, cutaneous diseases, especially elephantiasis 
and lepra, derive great benefit from the Hot springs. 
16* 



366 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

In phthisis and every form of tuberculous disease 
these waters are contra-indicated. 

Thus have I endeavored to throw all the light in 
my power on the correct use of the Hot Springs. 
The high estimation in which I hold them may be 
gathered from my remarks ; yet I do not think 
them a panacea, but, on the contrary, of a limited 
range of application. 

WARM SPRINGS. 

I have received from Dr. Aug. A. Hayes, of 
Boston, his analysis of this water. His results 
differ materially from those found by Prof. Wm. 
B. Rogers in 1835, which has already been given 
in chapter 16 of this work. 

Analysis of the Warm Spring Water of Virginia. 

In physical characters, this water resembles ordinary chalybeate 
waters. Recently drawn, it is clear, colorless, and in some degree 
sparkling, when agitated. Its taste is styptic or ferruginous, leaving 
the impression of a large amount of mineral matter being present. 
Agitated in the atmosphere, it becomes turbid and deposits in fila- 
ments an ochry matter, consisting of oxide of iron and organic 
matter. 

The dissolved gaseous matter is carbonic acid, with nitrogen ; no 
oxygen is present. By heat it is rapidly changed, the deposit of 
ochr/ matter increasing in density, while gas is disengaged. 

A standard gallon of this water, weighed at 60° Fahr. afforded 
the following proximate constituents : 

1st: Sulphuric acid, - - 9.443 

Carbonic " - - 9.210 

Silicic " - - 0.990 

Organic " . - 1.525 

2d bases: Potash, - - 0.741 

Ammonia, - 0.110 

Lime, - - 8.906 

Magnesia, - «. 0.444 

Protoxide of iron, - 0.973 

Alumina, - - 0.290 

32,632 grains. 



The change produced in this water by exposure to air or by 
heating it, indicates that the protoxide of iron exists in the water 



WARM SPRINGS. 367 

united to organic acid. When silver salts are mixed with the 
freshly drawn water, the decomposition which follows is not at- 
tended by the coloration which humic and apocrenic acids produce. 
The deposition, too, is largely mixed with oxide of iron: these, 
with other considerations, induce me to state that the protoxide of 
iron is united to crenic acid. In the further apportioning of the 
bases, by which we theoretically make up the salts supposed to 
exist formed in this water, the magnesia and alumina are com- 
bined with hydrous silicic acid, to form a compound soluble in car- 
bonic acid and water. The remaining bases then constitute salts, 
which through the influence of chemical affinities are : 



Sulphate of potash, 


1.371 


" ammonia, 


0.369 


" lime, 


14,531 


Carbonate of lime, 


5,220 


Crenate of iron, - 


2.498 


Silicate of magnesia and alumina, 


1.724 


Carbonic acid, 


6.919 




32,632 grains. 



In the preliminary examinations of this water, it was deemed re- 
markable that so small a weight of iron salt should impart so sen- 
sibly a chalybeate taste to so large a volume of water. Neither the 
carbonate nor sulphate of iron has this effect, and the only explana- 
tion is that alluded to above — the existence of a crenate dissolved 
in carbonic acid, so as to form an acidulous water. This com- 
pound, with the lime salts, may be considered as the active medi- 
cinal parts of the water. 

n _ ,, « Boston, 23d Feb. 1852. 

Dear oir, ' 

With this you have the results of analysis of the 
Warm Spring water. You will notice that no chlorine appears in 
the Warm Spring results. It is not present excepting in 2 gallons. 
I got about 0.007 grains, a curious matter, for rain water even con. 
tains more. With high respect, 

Dr. Wm. Burke. A - A ' Ha *es. 

Dr. Hayes analyzed the water in Boston ; this 
will account for the absence of sulphureted hy- 
drogen from his results, as no doubt it had escaped 
before the water reached him. 

In the constituents of the water and their ar- 
rangements there is a striking difference, leading 
to the conclusion that our profession is not the only 
one in which there are uncertainties. Both che- 



36S MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

mists, however, make the water a comparatively 
pure one in respect to earthy matter; and in waters 
of this class which, as hygienic agents depend prin- 
cipally on temperature, it seems of little consequence 
what may be the precise saline constituents. Mr. 
Rogers gives the amount 23.706 grains ; Dr. Hayes, 
32.632 grs. The saline matter in the Hot Springs, 
according to Rogers, is 30.08 grains. Now, it is 
highly probable that there is no material difference 
in the constitutions of the Warm and Hot Springs, 
except their temperature, and the existence of a 
small amount of sulphureted hydrogen and iron in 
the former. Although this difference of tempera- 
ture extends only to the apparently inconsiderable 
amount of eight degrees, yet in the progress of this 
review we will see it conducing sometimes to results 
entirely opposite in a remedial point of view. 

It is difficult to assign precise limits to the classes 
of temperature. They have been arranged dif- 
ferently by different writers. Perhaps the following 
is as convenient as any other : cold, from 44° to 
74° ; temperate, 74° to 84° ; tepid, 84° to 94° ; 
warm, 94° to 98° ; hot, 98° to 212°. The tem- 
perature of the human body ranges from extremes 
to centre, between 94° and 98°,. and I have there- 
fore assigned to this the designation of warm ; if, 
however, as in the case of the horse's tail, we were 
gradually to take away a fraction of a degree, and 
then another, and another, it would require the tact 
of a wine-bibber to tell where one class ended and 
the other began. Fortunately, however, extreme 
nicety is not important. The temperature of the 
great reservoir at the Warm Springs varies from 
96° to 98° — the higher being found where the 
water bubbles up from the ground, and the lower 
near the edge of the pool. 



WARM SPRINGS. 369 

All I have said in treating of the Hot Springs, 
relative to preparation, is applicable here : the 
tongue should indicate a good condition of the ab- 
dominal viscera, and the alimentary canal should 
be evacuated. Any excessive action of the arteries 
should be reduced by depletion, and the baths 
would be judiciously preceded by one or more 
copious lavements, I repeat here that this is a 
means of using the thermal waters, which, however 
neglected, is } r et a most important hygienic ad- 
juvant. Having thus prepared for the bath, we 
should enter it slowly and quietly, using as little 
exertion as possible. Most persons plunge in head 
foremost, and swim about until they are exhausted. 
A healthy person may bear this ; an invalid cannot 
with impunity. My advice is of course intended 
for the latter, and I would therefore urge upon him 
the propriety of remaining perfectly still while in 
this bath. I directed my servant to pour on my 
head cold water very slowly, while immersed up 
to my neck. In this case it was done with a pitcher, 
but a watering pot would be much better.* This 
is delightfully refreshing, and will enable the bather 
to remain in much longer. I commenced with fif- 
teen minutes, and gradually increased the time to 
an hour, and I feel perfectly satisfied that the quiet 
bath I speak of, with tfie shower on the head every 
ten minutes, might safely be extended to two hours 
or longer. We read of five hours being spent in 
some of the German baths ; but the Germans are 
fanatics in most things, even to a love of the piles. 
There cannot be a doubt but that the legitimate 
action of a warm bath is as a sedative, whereas 
that of a hot bath is as a stimulant. The same re- 
sult as to therapeutic agency may be obtained by 



370 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

judicious management from principles entirely op- 
posite. This is no new doctrine : 

" Non meus hie sernio est, sed quem prsecipit Ofellus." 

The stimulant action of the hot bath will in 
many cases be more prompt ; but then it is also 
more attended by risk : the agency of the warm 
bath, though slower, will be generally as sure, al- 
ways safer, and often more efficient, for it has a 
much more extensive range of applicability. Now 
as to the time to be spent in the different classes of 
temperature, it is scarcely necessary to say to a 
professional man that it should be regulated in 
special cases pro re nata ; but it admits also of be- 
ing conducted on general principles, and therefore 
it is that I desire to give the uninitiated such views 
as may be useful to them when deprived of reliable 
medical advice. I think then that, as a general 
rule, the cold bath, ranging from 44° to 64°, should 
be used only as a shower or a plunge ; from 64° 
to 74° it will admit of a stay of from five to fifteen 
minutes, especially if exercise is taken in the bath. 
From 74° to 84°, fifteen minutes would perhaps 
answer well. From 84° to 94°, fifteen to thirty 
minutes ; and from 94 p to 98°, twenty mniutes to 
two hours. Ascending above the temperature of 
the body, we must again diminish the time. From 
98° to 100°, fifteen to thirty minutes ; from 100° 
to 106°, our highest Virginia temperature, five to 
fifteen minutes. If the system is properly pre- 
pared, and the duration of time gradually ex- 
tended to the maximum, in the warm bath, the 
advantages are obvious : the outer layer of epi- 
dermis is softened and detached, the exhalants are 
enabled freely to throw off the effete matter, and 
the absorbents to supply the blood with a modify- 



WARM SPRINGS. 871 

ing principle in the medicated water. The Ger- 
man physicians, in their transcendentalism, would 
call it a vital principle; but in the eye of common 
sense, it is nothing more nor less than a chemical 
modification of the vital fluid by which the dif- 
ferent tissues are nourished and supplied with re- 
novating materials according to their respective 
necessities. It is thus that mineral waters act, 
whether taken internally or applied to the external 
surface. If they be nearly pure gaseous waters, 
we will find them acting according to the quality 
of the predominating gas ; if that gas be sulphu- 
reted hydrogen, it will act as a narcotic sedative; 
if carbonic acid, it will act as an exhilarant and 
stimulant. If a large amount of the carbonates, 
&c, be held in solution by means of carbonic 
acid gas, and these, either through the exterior or 
interior membranes, obtain admission into the circu- 
lation, then we will find a corresponding increase 
of stimulating power. We can now see why the 
Warm Springs water is more generally sedative 
than the Hot Springs : first, its temperature is 
lower ; second, it contains less insoluble earthy 
matter; third, it is more aperient; fourth, it con- 
tains the modifying principle of sulphureted hydro- 
gen gas. We have seen that the great reservoir 
contains over 43,000 gallons of water, which rises 
from the earth in the space of an hoar, accompa- 
nied by innumerable bubbles, nine-tenths of which, 
according to the chemist, consist of nitrogen gas. 
Now, as these bubbles reach the surface, their con- 
tents mingle with the atmosphere and the vapor 
arising from the spring. Besides this large amount 
of nitrogen gas, the quantity of sulphureted hy- 
drogen is by no means inconsiderable. It appears 
that in 231 cubic inches, or a wine-gallon, there 



372 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

are twenty-five hundredths of a cubic inch; con- 
sequently, in 43,000 there are 10,750 cubic inches. 
This gas is also constantly discharging itself 
into the atmosphere over the pool. This subtle 
gas is inhaled in minute quantity with the atmos- 
pheric air, and is carried directly into the cir- 
culation by the cutaneous absorbents, and we may 
readily infer that it exercises an important influence 
over the dermis, and acts as an alterative to the 
whole system. I draw other inferences from these 
facts, and think they are sustained by experience. 
These are, that an atmosphere thus charged with 
vapor mingled with irrespirable gases would be 
unfavorable in a diseased condition of the respi- 
ratory organs. It is very curious and instructive 
to note the difference of effect between carbonic 
acid when inhaled and taken into the stomach. 
In one mode it becomes a poison to animal life, in 
the other a delightful exhilarant and tonic ; and we 
have reason to believe that the latter effect is also 
derived from its absorption by the cutaneous sur- 
face. These remarks are applicable also to sul- 
phureted hydrogen. With respect to nitrogen, 
constituting as it does nearly four-fifths of our at- 
mosphere, and being found always in the same 
ratio to oxygen, it can have no deleterious property. 
It is present in small but variable amount in water. 
In some of the waters of which we have been 
treating, it is in the following proportions in a wine- 
gallon : Salt Sulphur, 4.73; White Sulphur, 4.680; 
Red Sulphur, 6.916; Warm Springs, 3.25; Hot 
Springs, 2.67. It might be curious to experiment 
with waters containing different proportions of this 
gas, as to their effects in favoring nutrition. Is it 
not probable that it has the same effect as in nitro- 
genized food ? In looking over the above amounts 



WARM SPRINGS. 373 

we were struck with the excess in the Red Sulphur 
water; and connecting this with the rapid gain of 
flesh that sometimes takes place while using that 
water, the idea has suggested itself that it may in 
some degree be ascribable to this gas ; and moreover, 
that by invigoration of the nutritive process, the 
blood of phthisical patients is supplied with more 
healthy material. If this theory has any foundation, 
nitrogenized food is the most conducive to the re- 
covery of such patients, and the practice of re- 
ducing the volume of blood by direct depletion 
should be resorted to with great caution. We ask 
pardon for this digression. Nitrogen is not ab- 
sorbed from the atmosphere in the vital process, 
according to Liebig, and the part it principally 
performs is, doubtless, in promoting nutrition. 
Another inference I draw from the constitution of 
the Warm Springs water is, that it possesses great 
advantages and powers over cutaneous disease. 
The temperature is such as to admit of a long stay- 
in the bath, by which the scarf skin is thrown off, 
and the true skin gets the full benefit of the sulphu- 
reted hydrogen, which is also carried into the cir- 
culation. The value of this agent in diseases of 
the skin is well known. These considerations lead 
me to advise that persons laboring under pulmo- 
nary disease be not sent to the Warm Springs, and 
to express my belief that after a course of drinking 
the sulphur waters, it affords the best prospect of 
curing the exanthemata^ generally. 

Satisfied that in many cases, cutaneous and 
rheumatic ones especially, much advantage will be 
derived by a prolonged stay in this bath, I should 
like to see arrangements made to facilitate this ob- 
ject. In lumbago, sciatica and other rheumatic 
affections of the lower portion of the frame, the sitz 
17 



874 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 

or sitting bath is desirable. As in Germany, tbe 
patient furnished with a loose robe might sit from 
one to two hours, a little additional covering, if ne- 
cessary, being thrown over his shoulders. If the 
arms or upper part of the body required the bath, 
this too might be obtained by douche or immersion. 
Some distance below the great bath, there are two 
spout baths of somewhat lower temperature. At- 
tached to the great bath there is also a reservoir 
about 10 by 15 feet, containing cold water, and used 
in the Russian fashion, after emerging from the 
warm bath. When first introduced, prejudices ex- 
isted against this sudden transition, but actual 
experiment has overcome that prejudice, and it 
will be well if a practice, unquestionably salutary 
in many cases, does not become abused. In or- 
ganic disease, and in very feeble constitutions, such 
an experiment may prove hazardous if not fatal. 
In persons of ordinary stamina, it will greatly and 
rapidly invigorate the system. I have seen it 
carried to a great extent by boys, who, after swim- 
ming and diving for a long time, would plunge into 
the cold water, thence back into the warm, and 
thus alternate frequently for an hour or more. I 
need not say that I would not advise this course ; 
and lest I should be misunderstood with respect to 
the duration of time I have recommended in some 
cases, I repeat that the maximum time of the first 
baths should be twenty to thirty minutes, and that 
the extension should be gradual and systematic ; 
and further, that the symptoms should be watched, 
the pulse consulted, the tongue inspected, and the 
secretions attended to. The additional remarks I 
have to make will be arranged under the diseases 
to which this water is applicable, or in w T hich its 
use is contra-indicated ; but here I would say to 



WARM SPRINGS. 376 

the profession, that when they send patients to the 
Warm Springs, they should impress upon them that 
a regular course of 3, 4, 6 or 8 weeks may be ne- 
cessary, alternating, perhaps, with some of the 
drinking waters, according to the indications and 
the distinctions I have attempted to draw. I urge 
upon them that this water is not only a luxury, but 
a bath of great and decided powers, and that they 
should place it, where it assuredly deserves to 
stand, in the very foremost rank of the watering 
places of Virginia. 

The Hot Springs, Warm Springs, Berkeley 
Springs, Capon Springs, Sweet Springs, Red Sweet 
Springs, and the Healing Springs, (if they are ever 
improved,) gushing from the base of our Appala- 
chian mountains, are and will be, I trust, for 
countless ages, sources of health and comfort to the 
inhabitants of these happy states, and of just pride 
to our own favored Virginia. One noble effort on 
the part of our legislators — an effort amply sus- 
tained and desired by their constituency — and we 
shall not only see those favored regions teeming 
with plenty and wealth, but that plenty and wealth 
flowing through a thousand arteries to invigorate 
our seaboard cities and enrich the whole common- 
wealth. 

The waters of Wildbad are those to which the 
Warm Springs bear the greatest resemblance. 
There are several works that treat of those waters 
to which the profession have access, and therefore 
I will not detain them by extracts. All the diseases 
successfully treated at Wildbad, may also find 
relief here under similar circumstances and pre- 
cautions. At the head of those diseases stands 
rheumatism. I have already said that in this 
disease, in many of its chronic forms, the hot bath 



376 MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA, 

is the most prompt and potent remedy; but I again 
repeat that there are other cases in which a lower 
temperature is more efficacious. In these the ad- 
vantages of the warm bath are obvious; I need 
not dwell upon them. The same remarks apply 
to gout and neuralgia. In all three, ihe Warm 
Springs and the Berkeley Springs will be found 
admirable agents, if judiciously administered. 

Hepatic engorgement and induration would be well 
treated here, though in bad cases the hot douche 
at the Hot Springs is the best remedy. Chronic 
diarrhoza and dysentery are sometimes relieved 
and sometimes aggravated. Amenorrhcea and 
dysmenorrhcea are beneflted ; menorrhagia is con- 
tra-indicated. Women with the catamenia, or 
pregnant, should not bathe. All chronic diseases 
of the skin — lepra, elephantiasis, herpes, pem- 
phygus, urticaria, acne, pytyriasis, &c, &c, are 
more properly treated with this bath and alum 
water from the neighborhood, than by any of the 
bathing waters. To these we may add scrofula, in 
its varied and distressing aspects ; paralysis, not 
idiopathic, muscular contractions, old injuries, pains 
from gun-shot or lacerated wounds, stiffness of 
joints, may experience relief. 

In plethora, apoplexy, haemorrhage of all kinds, 
inflammations of internal organs, debility, vesical 
catarrh, diabetes, internal abscess, phthisis, dropsy, 
scirrhus or cancer, organic disease of the heart, 
varicose veins, hypochondria and hysteria, idio- 
pathic epilepsy, chorea, monomania, insanity, these 
waters are contra-indicated. 



347 7 



